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Ron Chernow is a journalist and writer best known for his penetrating biographies of American luminaries like John D. Rockefeller, the J. P. Morgan family and George Washington. The winner of the 2011 Pulitzer Prize, Chernow also worked as a historical consultant on the Broadway hit Hamilton, a musical based on this book.

Rockefeller’s philanthropy, though rooted in Christian charity, also served to enhance his public image, even as his company faced collapse. Standard Oil’s dominance was first challenged in 1906 under Roosevelt’s administration, leading to a Supreme Court ruling in 1911 that deemed its monopoly illegal, forcing its dissolution. Yet, Rockefeller’s investments in the resulting subsidiaries significantly increased his wealth. Meanwhile, Ida Tarbell’s investigative journalism exposed Rockefeller’s father, Bill, as a bigamist living a double life, captivating public attention. During this period, Rockefeller expanded his philanthropic efforts, founding the General Education Board in 1902, which funded the creation of 800 Southern high schools by 1910. His journey from a modest upbringing in Strongsville, Ohio, to becoming a business magnate began with his early ventures in oil refining, culminating in Standard Oil’s near-total monopoly by 1877. Despite facing legal challenges, Rockefeller’s strategic moves, such as forming the Standard Oil Trust in 1882, ensured his dominance. While criticized for his aggressive business practices, he remained committed to philanthropy, funding institutions like the University of Chicago and the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research. Even after retiring, Rockefeller’s wealth grew, enabling him to establish the Rockefeller Foundation in 1913, which advanced public health and education globally. However, controversies like the Ludlow Massacre in 1914 tarnished his reputation. Deeply affected by his wife Cettie’s death, Rockefeller intensified his charitable efforts, transferring much of his wealth to his son, John D. Rockefeller Jr., who carried forward the family’s philanthropic legacy.

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