Was Monopoly Stolen?
The iconic board game Monopoly, known for its colorful properties and dice rolling, has been a staple in American households for decades. However, the question of whether the game was stolen has been a topic of debate among gamers and historians alike. This article delves into the origins of Monopoly and explores the allegations surrounding its creation, ultimately seeking to answer the question: was Monopoly stolen?
The story of Monopoly begins with Elizabeth Magie, a feminist and social activist, who created a board game called “The Landlord’s Game” in the early 1900s. The game was designed to illustrate the economic principles of land value and the negative effects of monopolies. Magie’s game gained popularity among her friends and acquaintances, and she even sold copies of it to support her cause.
In 1933, Charles Darrow, a Philadelphia furniture salesman, claimed to have invented a new board game called “Monopoly.” He submitted a prototype to Parker Brothers, a well-known game manufacturer, which eventually led to the game’s mass production and widespread success. Darrow’s version of Monopoly was significantly different from Magie’s original game, with the iconic properties, dice, and Chance and Community Chest cards that we know today.
The controversy surrounding Monopoly’s origins began when Magie learned about Darrow’s claim. She accused him of stealing her game and demanded that Parker Brothers give her credit for the original concept. However, Darrow denied the allegations, claiming that he had independently developed the game.
Over the years, evidence has emerged suggesting that Darrow may have indeed been influenced by Magie’s work. In 2004, a legal scholar named Ralph Anzalone published a book titled “The Monopoly Myth,” which argued that Darrow had seen The Landlord’s Game and used it as inspiration for his own creation. Additionally, a letter written by Darrow to Magie in 1935 was discovered, in which he admitted to having seen her game and being influenced by it.
Despite the evidence, Parker Brothers continued to credit Darrow as the sole inventor of Monopoly. It wasn’t until 1983 that the company finally acknowledged Magie’s contribution by including a note in the game’s instruction manual. However, this acknowledgment did little to settle the controversy, as many still believe that Darrow stole the game.
In conclusion, while it is impossible to say with certainty whether Monopoly was stolen, the evidence suggests that Darrow may have been influenced by Magie’s original game. Whether or not the game was stolen, it remains a beloved pastime that has brought joy to millions of people around the world.
