In the summer of 1908, Wilbur Wright amazed crowds in France with his aerobatic flying demonstrations, and Orville made daring flights at a U.S. Army base in Virginia. The press in Europe and America raved and skeptics were silenced. But then, on September 17th, a horrific crash in Virginia left one man dead and Orville seriously wounded, threatening to destroy everything the Wright brothers had built.Order your copy of the new American History Tellers book, The Hidden History of the White House, for behind-the-scenes stories of some of the most dramatic events in American history—set right inside the house where it happened.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to American History Tellers on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/american-history-tellers/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Join Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts and experience American history like never before. Imagine it's midday on August 21, 1908. You're a pilot and inventor from Dayton, Ohio, but today you're at a horse track five miles outside the French city of Le Mans. Since you started giving flying demonstrations here, the crowds of spectators have steadily grown larger.
And the European press, which had previously been skeptical of you and your brother, have become enthusiastic believers. So today you're packing your equipment to move to a larger field the French army has offered. But you know the curious crowds will follow you there too. So too will the eager and demanding press. And in fact, you notice a reporter approaching right now.
You steel yourself for another interruption. Yes, may I help you? I'm with the London Daily Mail. May I ask you a few questions? I suppose so, but please make it quick. I'm busy. Well, thank you. I've been watching you fly the past few days, and it's magical. We've never seen anyone fly a figure eight before. You had complete control. It seemed as though you could stay aloft forever.
You said you had questions? Yes. I wondered if you feel offended by the people who didn't believe you and your brother could fly. You mean people like you in the press? I suppose that's fair, but my paper never mocked or insulted you. We never called you a fake or a bluffer, but we were skeptical, yes. You've proven us all wrong.
Well, if I've learned anything in all this, it's that people like you are fickle. One week you call my brother and I frauds, and the next we're heroes. What will it be tomorrow? All I can do is focus on my work. Now, you have a real question, or can I get back to it? Fine, yes. What are you planning to do next to stay ahead of all of the other flyers? Are you worried about competitors?
Well, I think French aviators like Blériot and the Voisin brothers, they've had moderate success, but you said it yourself. When I fly, I am in complete control, and the others are not. In my opinion, no, not yet. I believe it was De La Grange who admitted after watching one of my flights that we are beaten. Yes, but how long can that last?
Surely the race for dominance of the skies is still wide open. New airplanes are being designed and built every day. And those inventions had better not infringe on the work my brother and I have already done. We've labored day and night for years, and we'll fight to protect our patented designs. Now, please, if you'll excuse me.
You've never enjoyed the press, but this reporter's questions about competitors touched a nerve. After years of flying without an audience, it makes you uneasy to allow so many people to see your aircraft. Watch to prevent another inventor from copying your innovations. You'd prefer to be back at Kitty Hawk, where you could fly without people watching.
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