John D. Rockefeller: A Millionaire's Success

During the 19th century, industrialization impacted the United States in many way. Industrialists, like John D. Rockefeller, owned or were involved in management of an industry. At the time, these agents were considered a “Robber Baron,” while others were considered a “Captain of Industry.” However, many were considered good because they were philanthropists.

Since the creation of the U.S. two hundred and forty one years ago, one of the founding ideals of the nation is that any citizen should have the right to pursue their own dreams. For some the “American Dream” can be defined as the opportunity to gain success and prosperity through hard work, determination, and initiative. John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie personify this concept completely, and although these men were hailed as “captains of industry,” they always hungered for more.

By the early 20th century, millions of Americans were engaged in oil-related industries; this increased employment. Rockefeller saw the vast potential of the industry, as he described: “We saw the vast possibilities of the oil industry, stood at the center of it, and brought our knowledge and imagination and business experience to bear in a dozen, in twenty, in thirty directions.” Much of Rockefeller’s whole life was characterized by various business-related controversies for his aggressive expanding desire but by the later parts of his life he became to be remembered as a philanthropist for his charitable efforts. The overall image of Rockefeller had varied significantly depending on who he was viewed, for example, his ex-competitors, politicians and critical biographizes.

John D. Rockefeller was the founder of the Standard Oil Company and became one of the wealthiest men of his time. His company was the major leader of the oil business in the United States during his reign. Standard Oil company served as a prime example of how companies should function, which helped to guide others to follow in his footsteps. He was a major philanthropist and used his large fortune to fund many philanthropic causes. His donations helped pay for the creations of the University of Chicago, the Rockefeller University, the establishment of Central Philippine University, and many others.

Rockefeller. He was the major capitalist of the oil industry. John D. Rockefeller began to earn his money fairly quickly. He built his first oil refinery near Cleveland in 1863 and by 1870 he already created his own oil business. Standard Oil Company will grow rapidly and will viciously begin to take out the other competitors one by one.

As our country reached the late 1800’s, Americans found themselves face to face with era known as the ‘Gilded Age’. Companies were created and grew rapidly during this time period. Some of the most famous entrepreneurs were John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie, who seemed to be the perfect models for the ‘rags to riches’ story. Many people debate which entrepreneur was a better role-model. Due to his low prices, the high demand for his products, and the way he sought to eliminate any possible competition, John D. Rockefeller is clearly the better role-model for today’s entrepreneurs.

Standard Oil gained a monopoly in the oil industry by buying rival refineries and developing companies for distributing and marketing its products around the globe. In 1882, these various companies were combined into the Standard Oil Trust, which would control some 90 percent of the nation’s refineries and pipelines. Rockefeller retired from day-to-day business operations of Standard Oil in the mid-1890s. Inspired in part by fellow Gilded Age tycoon Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919), who made a vast fortune in the steel industry then became a philanthropist and gave away the bulk of his money, Rockefeller donated more than half a billion dollars to various educational, religious and scientific causes. Among his activities, he funded the establishment of the University of Chicago and the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research (now Rockefeller

Rockefeller: The Captain of Industry that has helped our country thrive “The best philanthropy” he wrote, is constantly in search of finalities- a search for a cause an attempt to cure evils at their source” - John D. Rockefeller John D. Rockefeller was the richest man of his time but, used his wealth to improve our country. Rockefeller entered the fledgling Oil industry in 1863, by investing in a factory in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1870 Rockefeller established the Standard Oil Company. With the establishment of the oil company Rockefeller controlled 90% of the oil business in America by 1880.

John D. Rockefeller Sr: How did John D. Rockefeller impact the Industrial Revolution John Davison Rockefeller Sr. once stated “If you want to succeed you should strike out on new paths, rather than travel the worn paths of accepted success” (John D. Rockefeller Quotes). John D. Rockefeller was the founder of Standard Oil in which then became one of the wealthiest men in the world. Rockefellers ongoing funding as a philanthropist and trust in oil is how the man's name still lives on to this day (The Rockefeller Archive Center). For thousands of years oil has been a main resource for human consumption, and remains the same.

Was John D. Rockefeller a robber baron? I’d say so. Through ruthless business tactics and exploitation of workers, he made a fortune in his lifetime. In this paper, I’m going to be talking about said business tactics and exploitation. If you believe Rockefeller was just a good business man who donated to the poor, I hope your view will be changed by the end.

These men were captains of industry because they all donated money. One way Rockefeller bestowed a portion of his money away was by giving “millions of dollars to a variety of causes.” In the reading it quotes, “In 1919 Rockefeller donated $50,000,000 to the Board to raise academic Salaries.” This quote demonstrates that John D. Rockefeller was not an awful guy and cared for other people. In addition, it later says in the reading it that he also donated money for religion and medical purposes. Another piece of evidence that shows these men are Captain of Industry was in the Eastman reading when it states, “He supported dental clinics for children who could not afford treatment.” Instead of keeping the money for himself to produce extra money, he decided to donate it to the unfortunate who couldn’t afford to receive treatments from dental clinics.

Eastman, Rockefeller, and Carnegie are Captains of Industry. They are Captains of Industry because they donated their money to help children. George Eastman supported dental clinics for children who couldn 't afford treatment so their teeth are more white and they will take more pictures and use his camera. Andrew Carnegie donated more than $350 million to help build over 2,500 libraries and used his steel to make them. Also, John D. Rockefeller Founded the General Education Board in 1903 and established high South by providing free professional advice. These three people helped others so they would use their inventions and make more money.

John D. Rockefeller owned a bunch of oil refineries and instead of drilling for his oil, he focused on refining it. Rockefeller later became the richest man in America of his time. He didn't treat his workers very well. He made them work long shifts and offered very low wages. Vanderbilt linked a railroad connecting the

Bill Gates was a wealthy man who might have been greedy and only in for the money. He was also a generous man who employed a lot of people and donated $40 million. Most revered critics believe that Cornelius Vanderbilt was a Robber Baron. For example, he was never known to engage in philanthropic activities

Rockefeller, was a ruthless oil company that achieved its monopoly through aggressive and often illegal business practices. The company frequently purchased competitors, undercutted prices, and made shady deals with the railroads for their monopoly to succeed. Ida Tarbell, an American teacher. Author, and journalist, being personally affected by the Standard Oil Company was picked by her at the time job, McClure’s Magazine to investigate about the company. Her article, “History of Standard Oil Company, raised public awareness of Rockefeller’s ruthless monopoly.