The Business of America is business.

That catchy line was delivered by President Calvin Coolidge,

though if you've heard it before, you should know it's misquote.

Speaking to the American Society of Newspaper Editors in Washington, D.C. on January 17, 1925,

Coolidge's actual words were, after all, the chief business of the American people is business.

They are profoundly concerned with producing, buying, selling, investing, and prospering in the world.

Either way, though, the sentiment is the same.

When it comes to business, Americans get down to business. But I have a suspicion that Americans

aren't alone in this. Sure, there may be weird foreign traditions of midday siestas, taking all of

August off, or having comprehensive health care and medical leave,

but I think the business of the world is business,

which means the history of the world is business, too.

After all, many of the very earliest examples of written language we have

appear as business receipts, payroll records, and customer complaints,

all written in cuneiform on small clay tablets.

So on today's Saturday matinee, let's explore the history of business with a new podcast,

Business History. In this episode, they explore how Adolf Hitler created that iconic symbol of

peace and love, the VW Beetle. I hope you enjoy.

While you're listening, be sure to search for and follow business history.

We put a link in the show notes to make it easy for you.

Music. Where are we going to start this story, Jacob?

The place is Hollywood.

...