John D. Rockefeller
- Born:
- July 8, 1839, Richford, New York, USA
- Died:
- May 23, 1937, Ormond Beach, Florida, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Businessman, Industrialist, Philanthropist
Early Life and Education
- Born to William Avery Rockefeller Sr., a traveling salesman, and Eliza Davison.
- Received formal education at Folsom's Commercial College in Cleveland, Ohio.
- Demonstrated early aptitude for mathematics and business.
Career and Major Achievements
- Co-founded Standard Oil in 1870, which dominated the oil industry.
- Pioneered business strategies like horizontal and vertical integration.
- Accumulated immense wealth, becoming one of the richest people in history.
- Faced antitrust scrutiny, leading to the breakup of Standard Oil in 1911.
Legacy and Impact
John D. Rockefeller's legacy is complex, marked by both immense wealth creation and controversial business practices. His later life was dedicated to philanthropy, establishing foundations that continue to have a significant impact on education, science, and global health.
Notable Works
- Founding of Standard Oil.
- Establishment of the Rockefeller Foundation.
- Establishment of the University of Chicago.
- Significant contributions to medical research and public health initiatives.
Mayer Amschel Rothschild
- Born:
- February 23, 1744, Frankfurt, Holy Roman Empire (present-day Germany)
- Died:
- September 19, 1812, Frankfurt, Confederation of the Rhine (present-day Germany)
- Nationality:
- German
- Profession(s):
- Banker, Court Factor
Early Life and Education
- Born into a Jewish family in the Frankfurt ghetto.
- Trained as a banker, learning about finance and commerce.
- Inherited his father's trading business.
Career and Major Achievements
- Founded the Rothschild banking dynasty.
- Served as a court factor for William IX, Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel.
- Expanded his business by financing government loans and international trade.
- Established his sons in major European cities to create an international banking network.
Legacy and Impact
Mayer Amschel Rothschild established the foundation for one of the world's most influential banking families. His innovative approach to international finance and his emphasis on family unity contributed to the Rothschilds' enduring success.
Notable Works
- Establishment of the Rothschild banking network across Europe.
- Pioneering international finance and investment.