M. Men Who Built America Video PDF

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The Men Who Built America Video Guide

VIDEO #1: Rockefeller & Oil (Disk 1 Episode 2 9:00-22:00) How does Rockefeller view the process of the drilling of oil? - It’s a gamble, wants to find a way to do it without the risk Why does he see the refinement of oil as the best business opportunity? - If he controls refining he would be able to control the industry, it will give him wealth and power Why did kerosene get a bad name? Why does Rockefeller choose the name “Standard Oil”? - Stories of the fuel exploding and killing families, people aren’t selling quality oil - Guarantees a uniform quality of kerosene After outgrowing his deal with Vanderbilt (railroad), what does Rockefeller do? - He has more oil than Vanderbilt can ship - Tom Scott, a competitor, wants to take Vanderbilt’s spot takes Andrew Carnegie, they offer a 40% rebate for every thing Rockefeller ships How does Rockefeller continue to expand his business after controlling the railroad? - He begins to buy out his competitors, he wants to own every refinery in the country - Controls 90% of the country’s oil supply Hypothesize: How will Rockefeller respond to the railroad’s alliance? - They pulled all of Rockefeller’s deals, he views it as a declaration of war - Created oil pipelines to cut out railroads VIDEO #2: Carnegie & Steel (Disk 1 Episode 3 20:00-35:00) How does the bridge “stunt” affect Carnegie’s business? Who is his biggest buyer? - He gets more orders for steel than he can produce, builds steel plants - The railroads are the biggest buyer Why was Carnegie’s timing of his new steel mill so poor? - The railroads are struggling, can’t afford steel Why did the death of Tom Scott create a rivalry between Rockefeller and Carnegie? - He blames Rockefeller for Scott’s death, he wants revenge - Lost market for steel What industry does Carnegie turn to when the railroad stops buying? - In structural steel for skyscrapers

Who does Carnegie turn to in order to surpass Rockefeller in wealth? Why? - Henry Frick, one of the midwest’s largest coal suppliers, gets what he wants through any means necessary - To give him the merciless edge that Carnegie lacks Hypothesize: Why might the hiring of Frick be the worst decision of Carnegie’s life? - Because giving Frick so much power may enable Frick to crash Carnegie’s company or give him a reputation that people learn not to trust...