Ep 7. Taking the White House

The Men Who Built America is an American television series that explores the lives and enterprises of some of the country's most prominent industrialists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The show's seventh episode of season one, Taking the White House, details the political strategies and ambitions of these business titans as they navigate the tumultuous period leading up to the presidential election of 1896.

In the episode, viewers are introduced to the major players involved in the race for the White House. The incumbent president, Grover Cleveland, is facing off against his former Secretary of State, William McKinley. Although McKinley is backed by powerful figures in the Republican Party, including the influential Senator Mark Hanna, Cleveland seems to have the upper hand. He is a popular president, having won the previous election by a significant margin, and is widely respected for his efforts to reform the country's banking and currency systems.

However, the industrialists who stand to benefit from favorable government policies are eager to see McKinley win the presidency. They believe that Cleveland's reforms are a threat to their profits and want a more business-friendly environment in Washington. As a result, they pour millions of dollars into McKinley's campaign, funding a massive national advertising campaign and bankrolling his extensive travel schedule. They also use their vast networks of influence to sway public opinion in McKinley's direction, spreading false rumors about Cleveland's personal life and portraying him as a weak and ineffective leader.

Meanwhile, a third candidate enters the race in the form of the fiery populist politician William Jennings Bryan. A champion of farmers and other working-class people, Bryan taps into the growing resentment many Americans feel toward the country's wealthy elite. He campaigns tirelessly across the country, drawing huge crowds and earning passionate support from his followers. However, he faces an uphill battle against the powerful interests aligned behind McKinley, and his calls for a more equitable distribution of wealth and power ultimately fall on deaf ears.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to a fascinating look at the behind-the-scenes machinations that drive modern political campaigns. They witness the intense jockeying for position among the candidates and their surrogates, the complex deals and bargaining that go into securing endorsements and funding, and the often backstabbing tactics employed to gain an edge over the competition. They also see the high stakes of the contest, as the future of the country's economy and society hang in the balance.

Ultimately, Taking the White House provides a gripping tale of money, power, and politics in the late 19th century. It offers a nuanced view of the forces that shaped America during this formative period, illuminating the ways in which the country's business leaders influenced its politics and helped to shape its future. With its engaging storytelling and impeccable historical research, this episode of The Men Who Built America is sure to captivate viewers and leave them with a deeper understanding of the forces that have shaped our country.