Henry George, an American economist from the 19th century, advocated for a "Single Tax" on land values, arguing that it could replace all other taxes and generate sufficient revenue for government spending. He believed that land ownership concentrated wealth and rewarded rent-seeking, while punishing effort and innovation.
George's ideas resonated in Australia, where he toured extensively in 1890, delivering lectures on land-value tax and free trade. His legacy is evident in the Australian Capital Territory's historical treatment of land.
Economist Ross Garnaut has emphasized the continued relevance of George's ideas, arguing that rent taxes should contribute a higher proportion of government revenue. Garnaut also highlighted George's support for competition and public ownership of natural monopolies, as well as his advocacy for taxing activities that impose costs on others.
The board game Monopoly, originally known as The Landlord's Game, was designed by Elizabeth Magie to illustrate Georgist principles. The game demonstrated how rents could impoverish tenants and enrich property owners. However, over time, the game's Georgist messaging was obscured, with the original "No Trespassing. Go to Jail" square becoming "Go Directly to Jail" and "The Poor House" square becoming "Free Parking." Despite these changes, the game's Georgist roots have been rediscovered in recent decades.