In this episode of American Dynasties: The Rockefellers, we travel to the heart of New York City to uncover the story behind one of America’s most beloved landmarks — Rockefeller Center. Built during the Great Depression, John D. Rockefeller Jr.’s ambitious “city within a city” became a symbol of resilience, artistry, and American optimism.

From the steel beams of 30 Rockefeller Plaza to the shimmering lights of the iconic Christmas tree, this episode traces how Rockefeller Center evolved from an architectural masterpiece into a global holiday tradition. Discover the origins of the first tree in 1931, the creation of the skating rink, and how one family’s vision turned into a beacon of joy that continues to unite millions every December.

In this episode of American Dynasties, we pick up where we left off—at the height of Standard Oil’s power. John D. Rockefeller’s empire controlled more than 90% of the U.S. oil market, but cracks were beginning to show.

We’ll follow the rise of investigative journalist Ida Tarbell, whose groundbreaking exposé revealed the hidden tactics behind Standard Oil’s success. We’ll explore the wave of public outrage her work ignited, the legal battles that reached all the way to the Supreme Court, and the landmark 1911 decision that shattered Rockefeller’s monopoly.

This is the story of how one man’s business brilliance collided with the growing demand for fairness in the American marketplace—and how the fall of Standard Oil forever changed the way America does business.

In this episode of American Dynasties, we explore the meteoric rise of John D. Rockefeller and the creation of Standard Oil—an empire that would dominate American industry like no other. From Rockefeller’s early days in Cleveland to the revolutionary tactics he used to build his monopoly, we unravel how he brought order to a chaotic industry and amassed unprecedented wealth and power.

But beneath the success story lies a darker reality: communities crushed under the weight of Rockefeller’s ambition and small businesses forced out in the name of progress. Join us as we peel back the layers of a complex legacy—one that redefined the American Dream and set the stage for a national reckoning.

Before he became the world’s first billionaire and the mastermind behind Standard Oil, John D. Rockefeller was just a boy from a modest family in upstate New York. In this episode, we explore the formative years that shaped one of the most influential and controversial figures in American history. From his upbringing with a con-artist father and a devout, hardworking mother to his early fascination with business and frugality, we trace the origins of Rockefeller’s relentless drive. How did the son of a traveling snake oil salesman grow into the man who would dominate the oil industry and leave a lasting mark on the world? Join us as we uncover the story of John D. Rockefeller’s early life, where the seeds of ambition and power were first sown.

In the premiere episode of the new season, we dive into the fascinating history of the Johnson family, the founders of Johnson & Johnson. Discover their humble beginnings, the vision that built a business empire, and the family’s lasting influence on the healthcare industry. This episode sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of their legacy and impact over the years.

In this episode of American Dynasties Podcast, we explore the lasting impact of the Roosevelt family, focusing on both Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt’s influence on modern-day America. From the enduring legacy of New Deal programs like Social Security to Eleanor’s advocacy for civil rights and global human rights, we delve into how their efforts continue to shape policies and societal values today. We also examine their roles in shaping international relations and gender equality, demonstrating how their pioneering actions still resonate in today’s political, social, and cultural landscapes. Tune in to understand how the Roosevelts’ transformative vision lives on.

Learn about the Roosevelt family.

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