Episode 01:

John D. Rockefeller

Some kings are born; others are made.

In the premiere episode of The History of Power, we delve into the life and times of John D. Rockefeller, the patriarch of the mighty Rockefeller dynasty, and the first American billionaire. Join us as we explore the oil tycoon's humble childhood, his meteoric rise to power, and the eventual demise of the vast empire built on black gold.

  • An image of William Avery Rockefeller from the 1800s. He has white hair and a white beard, and looks toward the left of the camera with a slight smile on his face.

    Sex, Lies, and Snake Oil: The Life and Times of William Avery Rockefeller

  • (The Power of Alliances and Networks) Two hands outstretched towards one another.

    Alliances and Networks

  • A woman stands with a toga wrapped around her. She looks down at the back of her left foot as she clutches the cloth of the toga to her chest.

    Patience as Power

  • An elderly woman sits for a portrait, looking directly at the viewer as she holds a book in her lap.

    Patrons, Piety, and Protegés: The Women of the Rockefeller Family