# Monopolies, Mercantilism, Illegal Buttons, and Saltpeter Men

**URL:** <https://www.libertarianism.org/podcasts/excursions/monopolies-mercantilism-illegal-buttons-and-saltpeter-men>

**By** George H. Smith

**Published:** November 5, 2014

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George H. Smith offers a glance at a few economic regulations throughout history.

[Originally published in essay form on February 7, 2012.](https://www.libertarianism.org/essays/excursions/monopolies-mercantilism-illegal-buttons-saltpeter-men)

_Narrated by James Foster._