The name Rockefeller is synonymous with monuments and centers in such cities as New York and Cleveland.1 It is also the name that is associated with one of the richest families in America and one of the richest men ever to have lived. However, John D. Rockefeller was also one of the most vilified men of his era due to how he came upon his wealth. Whether it was through inauspicious practices or law evasion, Rockefeller became one of the most disliked Robber Barons of his time. His tussles with the media, and specifically with Ida Tarbell, also aided in this negative perception. That perception began to change as time went on, as he became a major philanthropist in the early 1900s. This charitable work in his later years helped improve his public image as time went on and even after his death in 1937.
The public’s perception of Rockefeller during the mid to late 1800s was that he was a Robber Baron as well as a morally compromised man. Ida Tarbell was one of the leading muckrakers of the Progressive Era, who dedicated herself to uncovering the truth about Rockefeller. She helped in exposing a side of John Rockefeller’s identity, which was that of a shrewd businessman who would often seek advantages through unfair means. In addition, she stated that Rockefeller’s philanthropy was tainted due to the immoral means he employed in his acquisition of wealth.2 Although some of Ida Tarbell’s criticisms of Rockefeller came out of spite as well as fact, there was no denying the influence she had in creating the public’s perception of Rockefeller. One result of her exposé was the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to use the Sherman Antitrust Act to break up Rockefeller’s Standard Oil Company.3 Thus, one of the richest and most powerful companies in the world was severely crippled.
John Rockefeller’s identity had been tainted, and his company had been broken. Rockefeller was still very wealthy, but he did not necessarily know what to do with all his wealth. Thus, he became involved in his community as a philanthropist. Rockefeller devoted a portion of his money to charity, and he established a variety of institutions to help others. Rockefeller helped establish the University of Chicago and placed William Rainey Harper, someone he trusted, to lead the University. Additionally, Rockefeller always made it a point to give whenever he could to the University.4
Therefore, there is a contradiction when it comes to Rockefeller. How could such a Robber Baron be so generous when his life’s work had been to acquire as much wealth as possible? In addition, Rockefeller was also portrayed as a man who loved his children and taught them the value of money, while going to church regularly.5 But the John Rockefeller that was described by Ida Tarbell was of a man with a dual personality.6 In conclusion, many will call Rockefeller a Robber Baron for the underhanded tactics he employed, and who therefore cannot be absolved of these activities. Some will say that his philanthropic works, charity to churches, and personal character more than overshadow his past transgressions. What can be for certain is that the debate over whether John Davison Rockefeller Sr. should be viewed as a friend or fiend will continue for years to come.
- Salem Press Encyclopedia, January 2016, s.v. “ Rockefeller Center ,” by John A. Flink. ↵
- Steve Weinberg, Taking on the Trust (New York: W.W. Norton, 2008), 234-235. ↵
- Ron Chernow, Titan: the life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr. (New York: Random House, 1998), 534. ↵
- Allan Nevins, John D. Rockefeller: The Heroic Age of American Enterprise (New York: Scribner’s Sons, 1941), 234-243. ↵
- Ron Chernow, Titan: the life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr. (New York: Random House, 1998), 187–91. ↵
- Steve Weinberg, Taking on the Trust (New York: W.W. Norton, 2008), 237. ↵
63 comments
Gabriela Medrano
The main reason i chose to read your article was because of your title and feature image, they are both very creative. The article was a good read, and I’m glad you chose this topic because you know the name Rockefeller is always being thrown around: Rockefeller Center, Rockefeller Foundation, Rockefeller Family, Rockefeller University. But who are the Rockefellers? Your article did a great job of giving a good and bad side to John Rockefeller. It makes one think if whether he was a righteous man or full of bad deeds. Cool read!
Aimee Trevino
Again, great article! The first time I read your article, I remember picking it because of your featured image and title. The use of these two really helped to capture my attention, and made me intrigued as to whether or not Rockefeller really was a friend or foe. Your article was really well researched, and i enjoyed the detail that you put into it. great job!
Marissa Gonzalez
I feel that the title for this article is perfect. Including the terms, “Friend of Fiend” describes Rockefeller in the best way because of what he did in his life. The term, “friend” is one that everyone obviously knows; and “fiend” can be seen as an evil person. I could see both sides of him. The side Ida was trying to portray of Rockefeller was exposing him as a Robber Barron. Another side of him that was portrayed was him being a giving person. I feel that both sides of him make up for each other which is why it is hard to classify him as either a friend of fiend. Good job!
Mario Sosa
Like most people, I learned a great deal about Rockefeller in high school and how he created one the largest companies in America. I am unsure whether or not he practiced philanthropy because he was trying to make up his mistakes, or if it was done to try to cover up his misdeeds. Either way, he helped out a lot of people through his charity. This was an interesting speculation on Rockefeller, great job on the article!
Jennifer Pogue
This is a great article. I have only ever known Rockefeller as a philanthropist and business man. Everyone makes mistakes, but the mistakes of those in the eyes of the media are broadcasted across the world. I do believe in second chances and that people can change, unfortunately sometimes people fake it to look better to the world. I do not know if he did it out of the goodness of his heart or if he did it to look better. Whatever his reasons were, his actions were still beneficial and he will always be remembered as a philanthropist.
Alexis Soto
I must say this was a great article regarding John D. Rockefeller. You were able to explain his life as a ruthless business man but also explained his philanthropy. Truly a man people either despise or hold in great esteem. I for one view Rockefeller as a person whof built wealth upon the destruction of others and perhaps tried to give back to her community. He and other barons of industry have inspired modern day tycoons to aim give back as much as they have made. Great job !
Aaron Jaramillo
This is a wonderful article Oscar. I had little knowledge of Rockefeller prior reading this article. You presented great information about Rockefeller. He didn’t make his money in the normal sense but it’s amazing to see that Rockefeller gave the money he made back to charity and universities. Overall, good job with this article Oscar! I can’t wait to read more!
Sam Vandenbrink
I didn’t know much about Rockefeller before reading the article, I feel like now I have a decent understanding of his life and what made peoples perceptions of him where. He seems like a sort of robin hood figure for his society, the “robber barren” taking from the week and giving to the poor. But it didn’t seem like he planned on using his money to give to other people. It seemed like he might have just had more then he needed.
Alejandro Alcala
This article was very well written but seemed to paint a lighter image of John D. Rockefeller. The only reason he would donate so much to charities and help funded for the University of Chicago was to help his image, not for others. Everyone in his time knew he was a Robber Baron, they knew he would do anything to take advantage of unfair means for money. People disliked his dirty money and strategies. To John D. Rockefeller the world was just a big dollar sign and he took full advantage of that. He will go down as the biggest thief in American history.
Bailey Rider
This was a cool article! I had always thought of Rockefeller as a big oil tycoon and always connected him with monopolies. I have no idea what a Robber Baron is but it sounds bad, and its crazy to think that Ida Tarbell had the guts to go up against this important, rich guy. Its also cool that one of her exposés caused one of his companies to be broken up. It was nice to learn about his life as a philanthropist too and to learn about all of the things he donated to and helped funded. Thanks for the article!