That Time the U.S. Government Intentionally Poisoned and Killed Over 10,000 of Its Citizens...

The script opens with an endorsement of Squarespace as a sponsor, highlighting its user-friendly platform for creating professional-looking websites. It emphasizes the vast template selection and ease of customization, even for those with no technical expertise. The offer includes a free trial and a 10% discount on the first purchase using the code 'brain food'. The video then transitions into a broader discussion about the imperfections of the modern world, drawing a stark contrast with the utopian vision of 'Star Trek: The Next Generation', and the significant challenges humanity has faced throughout history.

This paragraph delves into the historical context of pandemics, such as the Black Death and the Spanish flu, which had devastating effects on the population. It also touches on the aftermath of World War I, which saw widespread death and injury. The script mentions the encephalitis lethargica epidemic, which left victims in a state of waking paralysis. The discussion then shifts to the harsh realities of the past, including poor medical practices, high infant mortality rates, and the grueling work conditions faced by children and adults in the industrial era, with a particular focus on the dangerous working environments of the 19th century.

The script discusses the impact of the 18th Amendment and the Volstead Act, which introduced Prohibition in the United States. It describes the rise of bootlegging and the government's response to it, which included the deliberate poisoning of industrial alcohol supplies to deter consumption. This led to a significant number of deaths and long-term health issues, such as blindness, due to the consumption of methanol and other toxic substances. The government's rationale and the public debate surrounding this deadly tactic are also covered, highlighting the moral and ethical implications of such policies.

This paragraph explores the eugenics movement and its proponents, including notable figures like Theodore Roosevelt and Winston Churchill. It discusses the movement's belief in improving the human race through selective breeding and the forced sterilization of those deemed 'undesirable'. The script also connects the eugenics movement to the deaths caused by tainted alcohol during Prohibition, suggesting that some viewed these deaths as a means of eliminating societal 'undesirables'. The paragraph concludes by noting the eventual decline of the eugenics movement due to its association with the Nazi regime and the atrocities committed in its name.

The script recounts the outbreak of a mysterious paralysis known as 'Jake Leg' or 'Jake Walk', which was traced back to the consumption of Jamaica Ginger, a popular patent medicine during Prohibition. It details the investigation into the cause of the paralysis, which led to the discovery of tri-o-cresyl phosphate, a neurotoxin used as a plasticizer in the product. The paragraph discusses the legal actions taken against the manufacturers and the broader implications for food and drug safety, leading to the passage of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the establishment of stronger regulatory powers for the FDA.

The final paragraph examines the working conditions of children during the British Industrial Revolution, as documented in the Children's Employment Commission report. It highlights the grim realities faced by the lower classes, including long hours, dangerous work environments, and the harsh policies of the Poor Law Amendment Act. The script also addresses the prevailing attitudes of the time, which blamed the poor for their circumstances and justified inaction through theories like Malthus's principles of population. The paragraph concludes by discussing Charles Dickens's opposition to these views and his efforts to raise awareness of the plight of the poor through his works, such as 'A Christmas Carol'.