Episode 627: The Great Molasses Flood of 1919 Part I - Killer Condiments

"The Last Podcast On The Left" begins with a comedic introduction of the hosts, Marcus Parks, Henry Zebrowski, and Ed Larson, setting the stage for their discussion on the Great Molasses Flood of 1919. They delve into the historical context of molasses, highlighting its surprising importance in events like the American Revolution and the slave trade. The hosts discuss the industrial uses of molasses, particularly in manufacturing munitions, and the role of USIA (United States Industrial Alcohol) in the events leading up to the flood. They introduce Arthur P. Gell, a USIA manager who cut corners in the construction of a massive molasses tank, and explore the social and political factors of the time, including anarchism and anti-immigrant sentiment. The episode sets up the impending disaster, with hints at the horrific fates of those affected, and ends with a promise of a detailed account of the flood in the next episode.