Time Traveler 0:04
Close that in here. Welcome adventurous listeners to a thrilling episode of taxing times. Today we're embarking on a historical journey exploring five of the strangest taxes ever known.
Right, let's get going. pull this lever switch that on. Make sure the gauge is at 88 Hold tight our time machine is ready. As we are traveling let's have a quick look out the window looking to the left the invention of the internet 1989 There's going to be some turbulence. Guys buckle up. We're going past 1914 Wow. Through that I know that sound. That's Mozart we're in the 1700s and we are here.
First stop 17th century England and the window tax. People are breaking up windows right before my eyes. Why the tax I hear you ask to tax the wealthy without directly inquiring about their income. The airs so stuffy.
British Man
I had to close me window sir, you see the more windows the more tax and we can't afford so we suffer in the dark.
Time Traveler
A dark chapter indeed. Health problems arose and this tax lasted for over 150 years protests over health concerns and a growing understanding of the importance of sanitation led to its repeal in 1851. This has been a window into a taxing time. Right. Let's get back to the machine. Next up Russia 1705 And the beard tax. And we are here saw Peter the Great wanting to modernise Russian society by encouraging a Western appearance.
Beard tax Collector 2:32
Pay the tax please.
Time Traveler
A tax collector?
Beard tax Collector
pay the tax or shave the beard. We must look like Western Europe. It's the Tsars orders.
Time Traveler 2:43
Those who wanted to keep
the beards had to pay attacks and carry a beard token. Failure to carry the token resulted in public shaving. It was eventually abolished later in Peter the Great's reign as opposition group. Okay, let's head to the next place and the next tax.
Fast forward to the United States late 19th century and the government wanted to raise revenue during the Civil War. Playing cards were all the rage, stamps were required on all packs of playing cards. This led to a reduction in decks produced and affected various games' popularity.
Card Tax Collector 3:28
Excuse me, sir. Playing cards, pay the tax. We're raising revenue one hand at a time.
Time Traveler 3:39
A fascinating way to fund the government. The tax has been modified over time and some form of it still exists today. All right, just need to open the door. Quickly. Let's get back to the machine.
Now we're in 14th century France, the salt tax or Gabel in order to raise revenue, especially during times of war. The government put a tax on salt, oh I'm starving. Scraps of bread. Oh, this piece looks lovely.
Vendor
Merci Monsieur.
Time Traveler
bread is so bland.
Vendor
Oh, salt is a tax luxury. Now monsieur. It varied by region causing anger and smuggling. It fueled that revolution.
Time Traveler
The tax created immense public resentment due to disparities in taxation across regions. It led to smuggling and public unrest. The tax was one of the grievances leading up to the French Revolution and was abolished in 1790. Okay, let's go. Final Destination modern day Ireland and Denmark.
Ah, the smell where the cows' flatulence tax prevails. The tax, oh, the tax is to reduce methane emissions from cattle. Oh, as methane is a potent greenhouse gas contributing to climate change farmers pay the tax based on the number of cows they are encouraging them to find ways to reduce emissions such as Oh, dietary changes. Oh the smell.
Farmer
Methane is a greenhouse gas we tax to fight climate change. It's odd but it's eco friendly, a fresh approach turning flatulence into funding for environmental stewardship.
Time Traveler
Home at last.from darkened homes to shave faces, text games, saltless bread and even environmental innovation. We've seen how taxation shapes society in the oddest ways. Now I'm going to make myself a tea. This is TC taxing off
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