Early Railroads of France (1815 - 1848)

Every new technology developed brings mix of reactions. Hesitations and missed expectation formed as part of birthing pains. Same goes to even technology taken for granted today, for instance, France’s reaction during the early inception of railroads.

James Mayer de Rothschild: Railroad and Banking King of France

Kings and Prime Ministers sought his advice and bow to him for loans and investments. Vast lengths of railroads and landscapes transformed by rising factories came as a result of his confidence. James Mayer de Rothschild commanded great respect within the banking world of his time driving forward France’s industrialization. How did he achieve it without holding office nor leading armies?

William Vanderbilt: The Mistaken Robber Baron

William Henry Vanderbilt

The life of Cornelius Vanderbilt was filled with cut throat competition. A man of extraordinary energy, he build two business empires. First was a maritime transport empire. And the second was a railroad empire. Vanderbilt became recognized as a ruthless tycoon, earning the title of robber baron. However, in 1877, he passed away and left his wealth to his eldest son, William Vanderbilt. William was mostly a contradiction of his father. And his life would prove to this fact.

The Life of Jay Gould

Jay Gould

He was a man brave enough to clash with one of the wealthiest man in the United States. He proved to be even bolder when he was prepared to use illegal means to achieve his goals. He profited at the expense of other’s money and life savings. From a poor humble background, the life of Jay Gould horrified many.

South Improvement Company: Start of a Monopoly

Thomas Scott (Left) and John Rockefeller (Right)

John D. Rockefeller was known as the man who monopolized the American oil industry for some decade. He dominated 90% of the North American oil trade. He beat down his competitors with predatory efficiency and ruthlessness. Rockefeller earned strong opposition and criticism. Finally, in 1911, his most cherished business, the Standard Oil, was found guilty of being a monopoly and break up into several companies, which some became powerful oil companies. The story of the creation of the monopoly of Standard Oil began in 1870’s as a collusion of interests and advantages under the name of South Improvement Company.