It's been a rough year for people who believe in free trade. In June, the UK decided to leave the European Union—the biggest free trade block in the world. A potential trade deal between the U.S. and Europe seems to be falling apart. And the Trans-Pacific Partnership — a trade deal between the U.S. and 10 other countries — has two very prominent opponents: Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.

On today's show, we pack 240 years of trade history into 22 minutes. There's a Scotsman who was captured by gypsies (possibly), a man who dreamed of world peace (truly), and Robert Smith in the streets with revolutionaries (sort of).

Music: "Funky Festivities" and "Chilltown." Find us: Twitter/Facebook.

Copyright 2016 NPR. To see more, visit NPR.

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