Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"The great molasses flood was a horrific industrial accident that occurred in Boston in the year 1919." — Marcus Parks
"This story involves bombings, anarchists, industrial corruption, World War One, immigration, political violence, prohibition, and ultimately the American Revolution itself. Basically, molasses is nutmeg all over again." — Marcus Parks
"But in the end, all Gonzalez could personally do was spread sand around the base of the tank to keep the molasses from flowing too far into the neighborhood. Or he'd be sent out to chase off the kids when too many began gathering around the molasses puddles." — Marcus Parks
This episode of "Last Podcast on the Left" delves into the history and precursors of the Great Molasses Flood of 1919 in Boston. The hosts explore the unexpected significance of molasses throughout American history, tracing its journey from a byproduct of sugar refining to a key component in the colonial economy, particularly its role in the triangle trade and the production of rum, which fueled the slave trade. The narrative emphasizes how this seemingly simple substance was intertwined with major historical events, including the lead-up to the American Revolution and industrial advancements.
The discussion then shifts to the specific circumstances surrounding the construction of a massive molasses storage tank by the United States Industrial Alcohol (USIA) company. The hosts highlight the severe industrial negligence and corner-cutting employed by USIA and its construction manager, Arthur P. Jell, who was motivated by personal ambition. This negligence, including using substandard steel and inadequate testing methods, created a ticking time bomb. The episode also touches upon the societal backdrop of the era, including anarchist movements and the burgeoning temperance movement, which indirectly increased demand for industrial alcohol.
The podcast meticulously details the construction failures and the ignored warnings from USIA employees about the tank's structural integrity. Despite continuous leaks and alarming vibrations, company management, driven by profit and wartime demand for industrial alcohol (used in munitions), prioritized production over safety. The impending Prohibition era further incentivized USIA to maximize molasses storage, leading to the tank being filled to its absolute capacity, setting the stage for the catastrophic event.