The Ascent of Money

Niall Ferguson, shown here at the New York Stock Exchange.

Credit: Courtesy of Dewald Aukema ©Chimerica Media

Understand the current global financial crisis in the full context of financial history.

In The Ascent of Money, airing Friday, December 16 and 23 at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. on WXXI World (cable 524/DT21.2), Niall Ferguson traces the evolution of money and demonstrates that financial history is the essential back-story behind all history. “Everyone needs to understand the complex history of money and our relationship to it,” he says. “By learning how societies have continually created and survived financial crises, we can find solid solutions to today’s worldwide economic emergency.” As he traverses historic financial hot spots around the world, Ferguson illuminates fundamental economic concepts and speaks with leading experts in the financial world.

Tune in Friday, December 16 for Parts 1 & 2 of 4 beginnning with From Buillion to Bubbles at 8 p.m. and Bonds of War at 9 p.m.

Parts 3 & 4 air Friday, December 23 with Risky Business at 7 p.m. and Planet Finance at 8 p.m.

Episodes:

From Buillion to Bubbles - In the first episode economist and historian Niall Ferguson documents the roots of money in the conquest of the Americas, from the Incan empire to the Louisiana territory.

Bonds of War - Niall Ferguson explores John Law and his Louisiana territory Ponzi scheme; bond markets that supported warfare in Europe.

Risky Business - Niall Ferguson examines the roots of the insurance industry, natural disasters and risk management, and the history of hedge funds.

Planet Finance - Niall Ferguson chronicles the spread of good -- and bad -- financial practices across the globe, the meteoric rise of the American real estate market, and the consequences of the subprime mortgage fiasco.