The mortgage wars and the financial crisis. The financial market wildfire ; The largest credit market in the world

Fannie Mae's rise to prominence. Birth, trial, and turnaround ; Managing risk ; The Volcker standard gives Fannie Mae an edge ; Fannie Mae's opponents change tactics ; Conflicts with fast-growing lenders

The fight for the mortgage market. A surprise from the Treasury Department ; Private-label mortgage-backed securities ; A gathering storm of opposition ; Fannie Mae tightens its disciplines ; Private label takes center stage ; A compromise attempt turns into full-scale war

Countdown to the meltdown. Allegations of fraud : the special examination ; Sorting out the facts ; Baseless demand, fateful results ; The market melts down : Fannie Mae is nationalized ; Aftermath.