Episode 2 - John D. Rockefeller: The Man Who Owned All the Oil

The story of modern wealth begins with one name: Rockefeller. This episode journeys back to the oil fields of Pennsylvania to uncover the origins of John D. Rockefeller, a meticulous and pious bookkeeper who would become the richest man in modern history. We trace his early life, his fanatical attention to detail, and the strategic vision that allowed him to see an empire where others only saw chaos. From his first refinery in Cleveland, a plan began to form that would change the world.

We expose the ruthless efficiency and brilliant tactics Rockefeller employed to begin his ascent. He squeezed rivals through secret deals with railroads, manipulated prices, and pioneered the corporate trust structure to absorb his competition. This wasn't just business; it was a systematic conquest of an entire industry, piece by piece. His quiet demeanor masked a competitive fire that would tolerate no rivals and accept no defeat.

Before he was a symbol of philanthropy or a dynastic patriarch, he was a predator in a world of wildcatters. We reveal the foundational steps he took to build his monopoly, long before the world knew what a monopoly truly was. This is the story of how a man cornered the market on light itself.