A Twist of History: How the Metric System Was Stolen

Episode Release Date: June 11, 2025
Host: Ballen Studios

Introduction

In the episode titled "How the Metric System Was Stolen," Ballen Studios delves into a riveting historical narrative intertwining the lives of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson with international intrigue and maritime piracy. This episode explores how a pivotal moment in the late 18th century nearly altered the trajectory of American measurement standards, potentially reshaping global interactions.

George Washington's State of the Union Address

Timestamp: 00:02 - 15:30

The story begins on January 8, 1790, at Federal Hall in New York City, where George Washington, the first President of the United States, prepares to deliver the inaugural State of the Union address. Despite his military prowess, Washington grapples with nervousness about public speaking—a stark contrast to his battlefield confidence.

• Quote:
  "This one speech could affect the future of his nation and the world." (02:45)

Washington emphasizes the need for national unity and the establishment of a universal system of weights and measures—a crucial step for economic stability and international trade.

• Quote:
  "All the states must fight for the common good of the country." (10:15)

His advocacy for standardized measurements highlights the fragmented nature of American systems, where states like Virginia and New York utilize different measurement standards, complicating trade and governance.

Thomas Jefferson's Proposal

Timestamp: 15:31 - 35:50

Thomas Jefferson, then Secretary of State, is portrayed as a visionary deeply invested in scientific and mathematical advancements. Motivated by Washington's address, Jefferson devises a plan to introduce a universal decimal-based system of weights and measures to the United States.

• Quote:
  "Any unified system of measurement can't be made up of a series of arbitrary weights and lengths like the British system. It has to be rooted in mathematics." (25:20)

Jefferson's proposal aligns with his earlier efforts to establish a decimal-based currency, reflecting his commitment to logical and efficient systems. He contemplates leveraging the emerging metric system from France, believing its adoption would bolster American economic and scientific standing.

Joseph Dombey's Mission

Timestamp: 35:51 - 50:20

To realize the metric system's implementation, Jefferson commissions Joseph Dombey, a renowned French botanist, to transport two rare artifacts—the copper meter and the bronze grav—to the United States. These items are foundational to the metric system's accuracy and universality.

• Quote:
  "The meter establishes a universal core length measuring distance, much like the US Dollar's decimal structure." (45:10)

Dombey's journey is fraught with challenges, including political turmoil from the ongoing French Revolution and maritime dangers. His mission symbolizes the precarious intersection of scientific progress and geopolitical instability.

The Pirate Raid

Timestamp: 50:21 - 1:20:00

In March 1794, Dombey's ship is diverted to the Caribbean Sea due to a severe storm, where it encounters British privateers—licensed pirates engaged in sanctioned raiding against enemy nations during wartime. These privateers seize the ship, confiscating its cargo.

• Quote:
  "There's no escape. The sloops that are pursuing us are built for speed and agility." (58:30)

Despite Dombey's attempts to disguise himself and maintain composure, the privateers uncover the meter and grav, recognizing their intrinsic value. The artifacts are subsequently lost to piracy, thwarting the plan to adopt the metric system in the United States.

Consequences and Aftermath

Timestamp: 1:20:01 - 1:45:00

Upon receiving the news of Dombey's demise and the loss of the metric artifacts, Jefferson is left disheartened. Despite his efforts, the absence of these foundational items undermines the feasibility of implementing the metric system in America.

• Quote:
  "The metric system is even too French for me." (1:35:10)

Jefferson's disenchantment grows as geopolitical tensions mount, particularly between the United States and France, influenced by Washington's farewell address, which cautions against entangling alliances.

The Long-Term Impact

Timestamp: 1:45:01 - End

The episode concludes by reflecting on the long-term repercussions of the stolen metric system. Jefferson, now President, opts against pursuing the metric system, prioritizing American autonomy and practicality over international standardization. This decision sets the stage for the United States' continued use of non-metric measurements, a legacy that persists today despite global trends toward metrication.

• Quote:
  "The United States shouldn't rely on a measurement so unique to France." (1:50:45)

The narrative suggests that had Dombey's mission succeeded, the American adoption of the metric system might have swiftened, potentially altering both domestic practices and international relations.

Conclusion

"How the Metric System Was Stolen" offers a captivating exploration of how historical events and individual actions intertwine to shape the systems we often take for granted today. Through meticulous research and dramatization, Ballen Studios illuminates a "twist of history" that underscores the fragile nature of progress and the profound impact of seemingly small events on the broader tapestry of history.

Notable Quotes:

• "Any unified system of measurement can't be made up of a series of arbitrary weights and lengths like the British system. It has to be rooted in mathematics." — Thomas Jefferson (25:20)

• "The metric system is even too French for me." — Thomas Jefferson (1:35:10)

• "There's no escape. The sloops that are pursuing us are built for speed and agility." — Joseph Dombey (58:30)

Credits:

• Host: Joel Blackwell
• Executive Producers: Mr. Ballin, Zach Levitt
• Head of Writing: Evan Allen
• Produced by: Perry Kroll
• Written by: Mike Federico, Angela Jorgensen
• Story Editing: Mike Federico
• Sound Design & Audio Mixing: Colin Lester Fleming
• Post Production Supervision: Jeremy Bone, Cole Locascio
• Research & Fact-Checking: Abigail Shumway, Camille Callahan, Evan Beamer, Alex Paul Prince, Patricia Nicole Florentino, Calvin Riley Holgate, Matt Gilligan
• Production Coordination: Samantha Collins, Avery Siegel
• Artwork: Jessica Claugston Kiner, Robin Vane

This episode was a fictional dramatization inspired by historical events and crafted by Ballen Studios' dedicated team to provide an engaging and informative narrative.