Question

I was born to a poor family in New York. At the height of my monopoly, I owned over 90% of the oil industry. I donated over $350 million to education and the arts. Which "Captain of Industry" is described by the information in the box?

a) Andrew Carnegie
b) Henry Ford
c) John D. Rockefeller
d) Cornelius Vanderbilt

Answer 1

John D. Rockefeller is the described "Captain of Industry," known for owning over 90% of the oil industry and donating over $350 million, primarily in education and arts.

Step-by-step explanation:

The "Captain of Industry" described by the information provided is John D. Rockefeller. He was from a poor family and went on to dominate the oil industry, owning over 90% of it at the peak of his monopoly with the Standard Oil Company. Rockefeller's philanthropic contributions exceeded $350 million, which went to education and the arts. Unlike Andrew Carnegie, who was associated primarily with steel, and Cornelius Vanderbilt, known for his railroad empire, Rockefeller's wealth and activity were centered around oil. It is also noteworthy that Rockefeller often employed predatory and aggressive business practices which drew criticism from progressive reformers of his time.