Freakonomics Radio

Freakonomics Radio

The First Great American Industry (Update)

August 8, 202545 min

0:0045:02

About this episode

Whaling was, in the words of one scholar, “early capitalism unleashed on the high seas.” How did the U.S. come to dominate the whale market? Why did whale hunting die out here — and continue to grow elsewhere? And is that whale vomit in your perfume? (Part 1 of “Everything You Never Knew About Whaling.”) SOURCES:Eric Hilt, professor of economics at Wellesley College.Nathaniel Philbrick, writer and historian.Paul Watson, environmental activist and founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.

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