USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Billionaire John D. Rockefeller (July 8, 1839 to May 23, 1937) continues to rank as one of the richest men in modern times. He rose from modest beginnings to become the founder of Standard Oil in 1870 and ruthlessly set about destroying his competitors to create a monopoly of the oil industry.

Detailed explanation-2: -The Rockefeller Brothers Fund investment portfolio is now 99 percent fossil fuel free. Coal and tar sands account for less than 0.1 percent of its $1.1 billion portfolio; oil and gas comprise another 0.9 percent and falling.

Detailed explanation-3: -John D. Rockefeller formed the Standard Oil Company on January 10, 1870 with his business partners and brother. The success of this business empire made Rockefeller one of the world’s first billionaires and a celebrated philanthropist. He garnered both admirers and critics during his lifetime and after his death.

Detailed explanation-4: -Long before Jeff Bezos became the world’s richest person, oil tycoon John D. Rockefeller was setting records with his wealth. Both philanthropist and ruthless baron of the Standard Oil Company, Rockefeller became America’s first billionaire in 1916.

Detailed explanation-5: -Rockefeller gained much of his wealth by controlling oil refineries across the country. At Rockefeller’s refineries, crude oil would be turned into kerosene and then sold to the American public at affordable prices. Kerosene lighting greatly transformed homes and businesses across the country.