John D. Rockefeller, the world’s first billionaire and one of the richest figures in history, built his empire, Standard Oil, through ruthless tactics. Dominating industries, crushing competitors, bribing officials, and treating business as warfare, Rockefeller amassed unprecedented wealth and power. His career was marked by fierce rivalries, including clashes with Andrew Carnegie and U.S. Presidents. Born into poverty in 1839, Rockefeller rose to incredible heights, exemplifying both ambition’s potential and greed’s darker side. Standard Oil’s dominance and strategic investments made him the wealthiest man of his time, with his fortune growing even after the company’s breakup as stock prices soared. His story is both a testament to entrepreneurial grit and a cautionary tale of unchecked ambition.