I. Introduction

Narrated by Jeff Riggenbach, this audio presentation brings to life What Has Government Done to Our Money?, the seminal essay by economist Murray N. Rothbard. The work is a thorough and provocative examination of monetary history, arguing that government intervention has systematically debased currency and destabilized economies. Listeners will hear Rothbard's detailed case against central banking, exploring specific historical episodes like the establishment of the Federal Reserve, the era of Lincoln's greenbacks, and Franklin Roosevelt's confiscation of private gold. The narrative connects these events to broader economic turmoil, including the Great Depression, while critiquing the roles played by political figures and financial institutions. This podcast goes beyond a simple reading, offering a compelling auditory experience of a foundational text in Austrian economics. The production also includes an additional Rothbard essay, "The Case for a 100% Gold Dollar," which expands on his arguments for a sound monetary system. For anyone curious about the origins of modern money, the power of central banks, and the historical consequences of fiscal policy, this series provides a challenging and meticulously researched perspective. It’s a deep dive into monetary theory that feels urgently relevant, questioning the very foundations of how value is assigned and controlled in society.