John D. Rockefeller (Standard Oil)

John D. Rockefeller was an American industrialist who co-founded Standard Oil, a company that dominated the oil industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in 1839, he revolutionized oil refining and established a monopoly that controlled much of the oil supply in the United States. His business practices, including aggressive competition and strategic acquisitions, sparked debates about monopolies and led to antitrust laws aimed at promoting fair competition. After the breakup of Standard Oil in 1911, Rockefeller became known for his philanthropy, donating much of his wealth to education and public health initiatives.