National Monopoly Day

Group of diverse people gathered around a Monopoly board, wearing casual attire, laughing and enjoying the game, modern living room setting.. — National monopoly day illustration

Welcome to the whimsical world of National Monopoly Day! Prepare to roll the dice, buy up properties, and bankrupt your opponents in this classic board game celebration. Whether you're a seasoned tycoon or a novice player, National Monopoly Day is the perfect occasion to gather your loved ones, strategize your moves, and have a blast!

When is Monopoly Day?

It's national monopoly day on the 19th November.

A Brief History of Monopoly

Monopoly, the beloved game of buying, selling, and trading properties, has a fascinating internet and actual national history. Let's take a stroll down Boardwalk and explore its origins.

The game first emerged in the early 20th century when an American woman named Elizabeth Magie designed a game called The Landlord's Game to demonstrate the detrimental effects of monopolies. It aimed to educate players about the unfair wealth distribution in society. Magie patented the game in 1904, but it would take several years for it to gain popularity.

Fast forward to the 1930s - the time of the Great Depression. A man named Charles Darrow, an unemployed heating salesman, rediscovered The Landlord's Game and made a few modifications to create what we now know as Monopoly. The game quickly captured the attention of Parker Brothers, who purchased the rights and published it in 1935.

Since then, Monopoly has become a worldwide sensation, inspiring countless late-night battles, family feuds, and happy memories. It has seen numerous adaptations and themed editions, from Star Wars to Game of Thrones. The game even has its own World Championships, where Monopoly enthusiasts from around the globe compete for the title of ultimate property mogul.

Celebrating National Monopoly Day

On November 19th each year, National Monopoly Day gives us a fun excuse to gather around the game board, put on our thinking caps, and engage in some fierce capitalist competition. Get your favorite snacks and drinks ready, choose your game piece wisely, and let the dice guide your fortune!

Whether you're playing with friends, family, or co-workers, National Monopoly Day is the perfect opportunity to showcase your negotiating skills, strategic thinking, and occasionally, a tad bit of luck. It's a day to channel your inner real estate mogul, wear your top hat with pride, and make deals that would make even Mr. Monopoly himself jealous.

So, dust off your Monopoly board, gather your opponents, and get ready for a day filled with excitement, laughter, and good-natured rivalry. Just watch out for those Community Chest cards and stay clear of the dreaded Income Tax square!

History behind the term 'Monopoly'

1430

Origin of the term 'monopoly'

The term 'monopoly' originated in the 1430s from the Latin word 'monopolium', which meant the exclusive right to trade in a specific product or service. It was derived from the Greek words 'monos' meaning 'single' and 'polein' meaning 'to sell'. At this time, monopolies were often granted by governments to individuals or companies as a way to control prices and maintain a monopoly in a particular industry.

1935

The Birth of Monopoly

In 1935, the iconic board game Monopoly was first published by Parker Brothers. The game was originally created by American anti-monopolist Elizabeth Magie in 1903, but it gained significant popularity when it was taken up and developed by Charles Darrow. The game quickly became a sensation, captivating players with its combination of luck, strategy, and the goal of becoming the wealthiest player by monopolizing properties and charging rent.

1940

World War II and Monopoly's Cultural Impact

During World War II, Monopoly played a surprising role in aiding Allied prisoners of war. The British Secret Service included escape kits in their special edition of the game sent to British prisoners. These kits included compasses, maps, and even real money hidden within the Monopoly money. Monopoly was a source of entertainment and a potential tool for escape, adding a thrilling layer to the game's cultural significance.

1579

First recorded use in English

The term 'monopoly' was first recorded in English in 1579 during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. It was used to refer to the exclusive privilege granted to a company or individual to engage in a particular trade.

1974

Monopoly Championships Begin

In 1974, the first Monopoly World Championship took place in Grossinger's Resort in New York. Players from various countries competed for the title, showcasing the game's global appeal. The World Championship has been held intermittently ever since, attracting skilled Monopoly enthusiasts from around the world to compete for the prestigious title.

1600

East India Company's monopoly

In 1600, the English government granted a royal charter to the East India Company, which gave the company a monopoly on English trade with the East Indies. This allowed the company to control the spice trade, resulting in immense wealth and power.

1985

Anti-Monopoly and Legal Controversy

The term 'monopoly' also took on a legal and controversial meaning in 1985 when Ralph Anspach introduced a modification of the game called 'Anti-Monopoly.' This version aimed to promote competition and challenge the monopolistic nature of the original game. Parker Brothers sued Anspach for trademark infringement, leading to a lengthy court battle that ultimately resulted in the term 'monopoly' being recognized as a generic term, free to be used by anyone.

1787

Anti-Monopoly sentiment

In 1787, the anti-Federalist movement in the United States expressed concerns about the dangers of monopolies. They believed that monopolies would stifle competition and limit economic opportunities for smaller businesses. This sentiment contributed to the inclusion of the Anti-Monopoly Clause in the U.S. Constitution.

2008

World Record for the Largest Monopoly Board

In 2008, the largest Monopoly board in the world was unveiled in San Jose, California. The giant board measured over 930 square feet and featured oversized game pieces. This record-breaking display showcased Monopoly's enduring popularity and its ability to capture the imagination of people both young and old.

1890

Sherman Antitrust Act

In 1890, the United States Congress passed the Sherman Antitrust Act, which aimed to curb the power of monopolies and promote fair competition. The act prohibited any contracts, combinations, or conspiracies that restrained trade or monopolized commerce. It marked a significant step in controlling the growth and influence of monopolistic practices.

20th Century

Monopolies in popular culture

Throughout the 20th century, the concept of monopolies gained prominence in popular culture. The board game 'Monopoly' was invented in the early 1900s, serving as a reflection of wealth accumulation and the power dynamics associated with monopolies. Monopolies continued to be the subject of scrutiny and regulation, particularly in industries such as telecommunications, oil, and technology.

Did you know?

Did you know? The longest Monopoly game ever played lasted for 70 straight days! It took place in 1977 and ended with a winner who had accumulated over $40,000 in play money. That's some serious dedication to becoming a Monopoly millionaire!