Cornelius 'The Commodore' Vanderbilt rose from nothing to build the biggest shipping and railroad empires in America, and amass a great fortune. His dying words were to 'keep the money together,' but did his children and grandchildren listen?
John D Rockefeller started out with one kerosene refinery in Cleveland, Ohio. Within 15 years it became the largest oil producer in the world. After conquering the fuel industry, the Rockefellers gave much of their wealth away through philanthropy.
Henry Ford was an American pioneer. He revolutionized the automobile, the assembly line production method, and brought cars to millions of American families. But in his personal life, he was far from perfect.
J. Paul Getty made billions of dollars in the oil industry, rising to become the 'richest man in the world.' But at the peak of his success, his grandson was kidnapped. The $17 million ransom was less than he was making daily... But would he pay it?
Since 1802, the DuPont Company has supplied gunpowder to militaries worldwide. But when young Lammot DuPont pushed the company to get out of the business of war, it set off a conflict that transformed the family and the American industry for generations.
In the 1860s, Junius Morgan and his son JP arrived on Wall Street. By the end of the century, the House of Morgan controlled many of America's biggest industries. Through wars and recessions, the family dominated Wall Street.
After graduating from Harvard, Joe Kennedy, the grandson of Irish immigrants, conquered Wall Street and Hollywood. When his political career was cut short he focused on his children. One became President and the rest devoted their lives to public service.
The Bushes are one of America's oldest families. They are known more for their genteel manners and success in business and politics. So when war hero George HW Bush decides he wants to run for president, will the family name be enough to ensure victory?
