American Experience Season 13 Episode 1 The Rockefellers (Part 1)

The Rockefellers (Part 1) is the first episode of the thirteenth season of American Experience. This episode is a fascinating exploration of the oil-rich Rockefeller family and their rise to power in American society. The episode begins in the mid-1800s when John D. Rockefeller Sr., the patriarch of the family, was just a humble bookkeeper trying to make ends meet.

As time goes on, we see John D. Rockefeller Sr. become more and more interested in the oil industry, which was just starting to flourish in the United States. He saw potential in this industry and decided to invest all of his money into it, despite the risks involved. As luck would have it, the investment paid off, and John D. Rockefeller Sr. soon became one of the richest men in the world.

From there, the episode explores the many different facets of the Rockefeller family's wealth and influence. We learn about John D. Rockefeller Jr.'s efforts to modernize Rockefeller Center in New York City, turning it into an iconic symbol of American capitalism. We also hear about the family's philanthropic efforts, including the creation of the Rockefeller Foundation, which has been responsible for countless important medical and scientific research projects over the years.

Throughout the episode, we see how the Rockefeller family's wealth and power influenced American politics, culture, and society as a whole. We hear about their connections to presidents and other politicians, as well as their deep involvement in the arts and humanities. At the same time, we also learn about some of the family's more controversial aspects, such as their involvement in the Ludlow Massacre, which saw striking workers and their families killed in a violent encounter with the Rockefellers' mining company.

Overall, The Rockefellers (Part 1) is an engrossing look at one of the most influential families in American history. From their humble beginnings to their rise to power, the Rockefeller family's story is a fascinating one, filled with moments of triumph and controversy alike. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the role that wealth and power have played in shaping American society over the past century.