John D. Rockefeller (1839–1937)

Question 1

Who was John D. Rockefeller?

Answer 1

An American business magnate and philanthropist, known for founding Standard Oil and becoming the world’s first billionaire.

Question 2

When and where was John D. Rockefeller born?

Answer 2

He was born on July 8, 1839, in Richford, New York.

Question 3

Rockefeller founded which major company in 1870?

Answer 3

Standard Oil.

Question 4

At its peak, how much of the U.S. oil market did Standard Oil control?

Answer 4

Approximately 90%.

Question 5

What was John D. Rockefeller’s approach to controlling the oil industry?

Answer 5

He used vertical integration to control every aspect of oil production, refining, and distribution.

Question 6

Name one educational institution that John D. Rockefeller helped found through his philanthropy.

Answer 6

The University of Chicago.

Question 7

What was one major medical advancement that benefited from Rockefeller’s philanthropy?

Answer 7

Research into yellow fever and other medical breakthroughs.

Question 8

In which time period did John D. Rockefeller live?

Answer 8

During the Gilded Age, from 1839 to 1937.

Question 9

What was the Gilded Age characterized by?

Answer 9

Rapid industrialization, economic expansion, and stark inequality.

Question 10

How did John D. Rockefeller influence corporate practices?

Answer 10

He helped pioneer corporate monopolies, trusts, and vertical integration.

Question 11

What landmark legal case affected Standard Oil in 1911?

Answer 11

The U.S. Supreme Court decision to break up Standard Oil under the Sherman Antitrust Act.

Question 12

After Standard Oil was broken up, did Rockefeller lose his wealth?

Answer 12

No, he actually became even wealthier as the resulting companies became more valuable.

Question 13

How did Rockefeller change modern philanthropy?

Answer 13

He structured philanthropy scientifically, focusing on solving systemic problems rather than just providing charity.

Question 14

What is John D. Rockefeller’s legacy in terms of philanthropy?

Answer 14

His philanthropic contributions to education, medical research, and public health have had a lasting impact on society.

Question 15

What was Rockefeller’s personal philosophy regarding wealth?

Answer 15

He believed in using wealth for the public good and was deeply influenced by his Baptist faith.

Question 16

What controversy surrounded John D. Rockefeller’s business practices?

Answer 16

He was accused of using predatory pricing and political influence to create a monopoly.

Question 17

Who was the journalist that exposed Standard Oil’s business practices?

Answer 17

Ida Tarbell, through her series of investigative articles.

Question 18

What legal and public pressure led to the breakup of Standard Oil?

Answer 18

The company was broken up in 1911 due to violations of the Sherman Antitrust Act.

Question 19

Rockefeller is often remembered for handing out which small item as a gift?

Answer 19

Dimes.

Question 20

Fill in the blank: John D. Rockefeller was the world’s first _____.

Answer 20

Billionaire.

Question 21

What was Rockefeller’s impact on the oil industry?

Answer 21

He made oil affordable and accessible, transforming it into a cornerstone of modern industry.

Question 22

Which university is known for being funded by John D. Rockefeller?

Answer 22

The University of Chicago.

Question 23

What is vertical integration, a business strategy used by Rockefeller?

Answer 23

The process of controlling all aspects of production, from raw materials to finished goods.

Question 24

How did John D. Rockefeller contribute to advancements in public health?

Answer 24

He funded research into diseases like yellow fever, contributing to major medical breakthroughs.

Question 25

How long did John D. Rockefeller live?

Answer 25

He lived to be 97 years old.

Question 26

During which historical era did John D. Rockefeller dominate the oil industry?

Answer 26

The Gilded Age.

Question 27

Fill in the blank: The 1911 court case that led to the breakup of Standard Oil was a landmark decision under the _____.

Answer 27

Sherman Antitrust Act.

Question 28

What nickname was given to the journalists who exposed corporate corruption during Rockefeller’s time?

Answer 28

Muckrakers.

Question 29

How is Rockefeller remembered today in terms of corporate law?

Answer 29

As a key figure in the development of antitrust laws due to the breakup of Standard Oil.

Question 30

What was one of the key factors behind Rockefeller’s extraordinary longevity?

Answer 30

His strict diet and exercise routine, which he credited for his long life.

Question 31

What was Rockefeller’s contribution to modern corporate structure?

Answer 31

He pioneered the concept of trusts and corporate consolidation.

Question 32

What business strategy made Standard Oil so dominant in the oil market?

Answer 32

Predatory pricing and vertical integration.

Question 33

Fill in the blank: Rockefeller’s philanthropic model focused on _____, rather than simple charity.

Answer 33

Solving systemic problems.

Question 34

Who were John D. Rockefeller’s parents, and how did they influence his upbringing?

Answer 34

His father, William Avery Rockefeller, was a ‘botanic physician,’ and his mother, Eliza Davison, was religious and frugal.

Question 35

What was one of Rockefeller’s favorite leisure activities in his later years?

Answer 35

Playing golf.

Question 36

How did Rockefeller’s personal faith influence his actions?

Answer 36

He was a devout Baptist, which shaped his views on wealth and philanthropy.

Question 37

Fill in the blank: Rockefeller was a key figure in the establishment of _____ laws in the United States.

Answer 37

Antitrust.

Question 38

How did Rockefeller’s business practices influence future corporate regulations?

Answer 38

His monopolistic tactics led to the creation of antitrust laws to prevent similar corporate domination.