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
Erick Paul Martinez
This is a very well written article I truly benefited from reading. Growing up the only things I was taught about John Rockefeller were his positive contributions. He was a wise man who knew what to do to earn the wealth he illegitimately earned. I personally believed Rockefeller changed his ways and aimed to do good with the resources he had acquired, and should be praised for these works. Students should also be introduced to how Rockefeller earned his wealth and make an educated decision on whether to view him as a friend or fiend.
Gabriela Medrano
You’re right that name is heard a lot and thrown everywhere and I never truly knew the story behind the name. Obviously the family was wealthy but I am still confused on whether John Rockefeller was a brother or son of who? And what were these “underhanded tactics” that made him such a bad guy? Other than being considered a Robber Baron. Interesting topic, and great article!
Marissa Gonzalez
This article presented Rockefeller in two different perspectives; one portrayed in a more negative way due to Ida Tarbell, and the other more positive. This was very informative and I learned more about Rockefeller than just viewing him as a Robber Barron. Seeing what he did with his wealth shines a better light on him. It is amazing how money makes a big impact on people and the way other people portray them. This is still seen in America and other parts of the world today.
Nelson Smithwick
Cool Article, I have only ever heard of Rockefeller in a good light outside of textbooks, mostly because of all of his charitable and philanthropic contributions. I didn’t know that people of his time period viewed him so negatively. I guess that call into question if his philanthropic contributions to the arts were genuine of it was just a plan to fix his public image.
Hayden Hollinger
This was a great article that works to find out who the real Rockefeller was, and to see if the public’s view of him was in fact accurate. It was interesting to read that despite Rockefeller coming under scrutiny for his practices, he decided to put his money to good use. I find it very impressive that Rockefeller wanted to donate to charities and universities, and to help others with the money he had earnt. He does not seem to be the bad person that I had previously read of him to be.
Ana Gonzalez
Interesting article. After reading your article, I definitely think that Rockefeller is controversial rich man. Robber barons were known for taking advantage of their workers or acquiring resources in sketchy ways but at the same time, he would donate much of his money and even funded the University of Chicago. We can only wonder who this person really was. I enjoyed reading your article about Rockefeller’s identity, thank you!
Alyssa Vela
I had no prior knowledge to the name Rockefeller other than just that, the name. I’ve always been aware that John D. Rockefeller was of some importance, but thanks to this article I am now informed! I thought it was so interesting how he became so rich by doing bad, but turned it around and did so much good with it! I personally believe in redemption, but don’t know how genuine his redemption really was. Overall a great article! I look forward to reading more of your work!
Mariana Govea
Good job! You did an awesome job at informing us about who the Rockefeller’s are and what they did! I had some background information on him since about two years ago when I went to New York I went onto the Rockefeller building for a tour, which they tried telling us all about them in a nutshell! But you did a way better job in hitting the main points, which is much clearer who he was after reading your article than it was at the tour!!As well as I like how not only did you mention everything he was due to his money but that in your concluding paragraph you mention his morals, how even though he had all this money he still taught his kids to be humble and down to earth as well as tried to teach them to appreciate what they had and took them to church!
Priscilla Reyes
Reading about Rockefeller reminds me of the extremely, rich people out in the world! I was not aware he gave to universities and was involved in the founding of one. Ida Tarbell was not amazed, but I was, because of her impact in the life of Rockefeller. Nevertheless, I love your closing quote and that you included Rockefellers teachings on wealth to his children. Crazy to see the importance of money through out generations and history.
Luke Trevino
Yes, the way Rockefeller received his wealth was not right or good but what he did with it was amazing. So the question that should be asked was are his actions justified? Overall, I feel Rockefellers actions were wrong but he made up for them with his actions. He helped several charity’s and even built up a college. Overall very good and informative essay!!