Chewing Gum | The Champion of Chewers | 2

American Innovations

Wondery

Steven Johnson, History, Kids & Family, Education For Kids, Science

4.6 • 4.1K Ratings

🗓️ 14 May 2020

⏱️ 42 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

It’s the early 1890s and thanks to the adoption of chicle, chewing gum is bigger than ever. But it’s still a niche American habit. Men still shun it in favor of tobacco, and women who chew it in public are frowned upon.

But that’s all about to change thanks to the newest face on the gum scene. He’s name is William Wrigley Junior and he’s going to teach the world to chew.

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Transcript

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0:00.0	Hey, prime members, you can listen to American innovations, add free on Amazon music.
0:05.8	Download the app today.
0:07.0	It's spring 1899.
0:17.5	And in an upscale Chicago restaurant, Charles Flint is whining and dining William Riggly,
0:23.5	Jr.
0:24.5	Flint is a Wall Street financier with a stern brow and mutton shop whiskers.
0:29.4	He's also a champion for the new hot trend in American business, monopolies.
0:35.3	A few years ago, he masterminded the mega merger of America's rubber companies.
0:40.2	Now he's trying to pull the same trick with chewing gum.
0:44.5	Flint gently swirls the wine in his glass and looks at his dinner companion.
0:49.2	Riggly is a tall, broad-shouldered bear of a man, and imposing physique to match his
0:53.9	confident, outgoing personality.
0:56.8	Mr. Riggly, the six largest gum companies are lined up to become part of the chewing gum
1:02.2	trust.
1:03.2	Oh, good for you.
1:04.8	Well, Mr. Riggly, I believe the more the merrier.
1:08.4	So I'm inviting you to join the trust, too.
1:11.8	You've done a fine job, Mr. Riggly.
1:13.6	It's time you cashed in.
1:15.6	Flint is sure Riggly will accept his invitation.
1:18.6	After all, Riggly's small time.
1:20.5	The chewing gum Goliath that Flint is creating will be valued at $9 million.
	...

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