Ep 2. Bloody Battles

In the second episode of The Men Who Built America season 1, titled Bloody Battles, the focus shifts to the intense rivalries and conflicts between some of America's most famous tycoons during the late 1800s and early 1900s. The episode begins with a look at the intense competition between John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie, two of the wealthiest men in America during this time period.

Rockefeller had made his fortune in the oil industry, while Carnegie was a steel magnate. The two men's fortunes were deeply intertwined, as Rockefeller needed steel to build his pipelines, and Carnegie relied on oil to fuel his furnaces. However, this did not prevent them from engaging in a bitter struggle for dominance over the American economy.

During this time period, the concept of trusts was gaining popularity as a way for companies to eliminate competition and increase their profits. In 1882, Rockefeller formed the Standard Oil Trust, which allowed him to control over 90% of the American oil market. Carnegie attempted to create a steel trust as well, but was unsuccessful due to resistance from other steel barons.

The episode also explores the rivalry between Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse, two inventors who were competing to become the dominant force in the newly-emerging electric industry. Edison had invented the incandescent light bulb, while Westinghouse had developed a more efficient way of transmitting electricity over long distances.

Westinghouse and Edison engaged in a bitter struggle to prove the superiority of their respective systems, with Westinghouse ultimately emerging as the winner due to his more cost-effective approach. The two men eventually entered into a business partnership, with Edison agreeing to sell his patents to Westinghouse in exchange for a share of the profits.

The episode also examines the role of violence in the battle for economic dominance. During this time period, strikes and labor disputes were common, as workers sought to gain better wages and working conditions. The industrialists, however, were determined to maintain control over their businesses, and often resorted to violent means to crush labor uprisings.

One particularly violent clash occurred in 1892, when striking workers at Carnegie's Homestead steel plant engaged in a violent confrontation with Pinkerton detectives hired by the company. The resulting battle left several people dead, and drew national attention to the dangers of industrial unrest.

Throughout the episode, viewers are given a glimpse into the inner workings of some of America's most famous industrialists, and the intense competition and conflict that drove them to achieve success. Despite their ruthless tactics, these men played a crucial role in shaping the American economy and society, and their legacy continues to be felt today.