Capitalism, Stock Speculation, and the 1920s Economic Boom

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The chapter discusses the economic boom of the 1920s, focusing on stock speculation driven by the belief in continuous market growth. It illustrates how the interconnectedness of capitalism, confidence, and unchecked speculation led to inflated stock prices and eventual catastrophic consequences.

How the balance of power shifted, for a time, in the decades after World War II, and led to a better kind of capitalism – if you think prosperity being broadly shared is a good thing.

By John Biewen, with co-host Ellen McGirt. Interviews with Eric Rauchway and Brad DeLong. Thanks to the Studs Terkel Archive at WFMT. Story editor: Loretta Williams. Music by Michelle Osis, Lilli Haydn, Chris Westlake, Alex Symcox, and Goodnight, Lucas. Music consulting by Joe Augustine of Narrative Music. "Capitalism” is a production of the Kenan Institute for Ethics at Duke University, in partnership with Imperative 21.