Description
Bridge for Sale: Deception in America
March 29, 2013
America has a long and colorful history of confidence men and counterfeiters. On this episode of BackStory, we go back to the time when fake money and fly-by-night banks dominated the economy, and uncover the origins of the lie detector test, known as “the truth compelling machine.” We’ll also try to sell you the Brooklyn Bridge.
FAKIN' IT Historian Stephen Mihm tells us how some shop owners tried to combat counterfeit money in the 19th century.
MO' MONEY, MO' PROBLEMS Stephen Mihm returns to talk about the size of America’s counterfeit economy, and how the problem was eventually solved.
OVER TROUBLED WATERS Reporter Andy Mills tries to sell the Brooklyn Bridge, while the Guys place America’s biggest scam in context.
THE UGLIEST LITTLE MERMAID Historian James “Jay” Cook tells the story of Barnum’s Fiji Mermaid, and how a little deception went a long way.
WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS The Guys riff on the history of deceptive salesmen.
SWEET LITTLE LIES Dr. Geoff Bunn helps tell the story of the lie detector, and its roots in pulp fiction.
