Watch Empires of Industry

2001
1 Season
5.8 (17)

Empires of Industry is a television series that aired on History Channel in 1997 featuring David Zonderman, Dan Chandler, and William K. Coors. The show is a documentary that takes viewers on a historic journey through the rise of some of America's most successful companies.

Throughout the series, viewers are presented with the triumphs and trials of some of the world's most renowned industries such as oil, steel, and automobiles. The series also digs deep into the individuals who founded and ran these companies and the societal and political factors that led to their rise.

Empires of Industry features expert commentary from industry experts such as David Zonderman, a professor of economic history at North Carolina State University, Dan Chandler, a former president of General Motors Corporation, and William K. Coors, the former chairman of the board of Adolph Coors Company.

The series begins by exploring the impact of the Industrial Revolution on America, and how it led to the rise of big business. The show features the history of some of the earliest businesses in America, such as the railroads, mining, and banking industries. Viewers will learn about the biggest names in these industries, including Andrew Carnegie, John D. Rockefeller, and J. P. Morgan.

Empires of Industry also dives into the energy sector and presents the story of America's oil industry. It examines the birth of the oil industry and how the likes of John D. Rockefeller and his company, Standard Oil, would go on to become the richest man in the world in the late 1800s. The show details how the oil industry shaped America's society and the economy, and what role it played in both World Wars.

The series then delves into the history of the automobile industry and how it transformed the way people traveled. It covers the creation of cars by Henry Ford, who revolutionized the manufacturing process, making it easier and cheaper to produce automobiles. The program highlights the serious competition between car makers and the special features that set each car company apart.

Throughout the series, the experts featured in Empires of Industry explain how these companies impacted society and politics during some of America's most defining moments in history. Viewers will see how these businesses fought to survive the Great Depression and how they contributed to the war effort during World War II.

Empires of Industry provides a captivating look at the evolution of American industry and the iconic businesses that helped shape America. It showcases the stories of resilient entrepreneurs who took risks, made sacrifices, and turned ideas into successful and influential brands.

Overall, Empires of Industry is a well-crafted and informative series that provides an engaging and unique look into American history through the lens of business. The documentary is engaging and enlightening, and viewers will get a wealth of information on some of the most significant businesses in the country's history. This documentary is a must-watch for anyone interested in American history, business, or industry development.

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Seasons

9. Brewed in America

October 15, 1997

While the brewing of beer isn't the oldest profession, it certainly ranks up there when it comes to activities that have withstood the test of time. Tracing the roots of American breweries all the way back to the days of the Puritans, this thirst-quenching A&E program chronicles the growth of a multimillion dollar industry, including behind-the-scenes views of big-name brew houses such as Anheuser-Busch, Yuengling, Pabst and Coors.

8. Black Gold: The Story of Oil

From ancient China to the empires of Andrew Mellon and John D. Rockefeller to the Gulf War, oil has played a major role in human history. Precious petroleum has affected nations' policies in ways subtle and obvious; it has created vast fortunes, and it has caused misery. Through interviews with historians and industry insiders, this History Channel documentary provides a defining look at the oil industry and black gold's history.

5. Andrew Carnegie and the Age of Steel

December 27, 2005

Detailing the ascent of America's iron and steel businesses and the rise of crafty Scottish immigrant Andrew Carnegie, this one-hour documentary examines the industry's good, bad and ugly facets. Iron and steel became the Industrial Revolution's backbone, providing the material that facilitated the growth of other commerce. See how Carnegie went from rags to inconceivable riches, U.S. Steel's birth and the industry's ultimate struggle to survive.

4. War Planes of World War II

From the History Channel comes this 60-minute documentary that looks at the industrial might and effort that produced America's aviation forces during World War II. The war saw more aircraft built in one year than had been manufactured in the previous four decades, allowing America to control the skies. Photographs of restored planes, vintage film of dogfights and interviews with fliers and designers recount the aviation industry's shining hour.

1. Cola Wars

June 25, 2001

Sold in cans, bottles and fountain style, soda is available just about everywhere on the planet, with the industry's two corporate giants -- the Coca-Cola Co. and Pepsico Inc. --duking it out for supremacy. Featuring commentary from noted cola experts, this installment of "Empires of Industry" traces the companies' ongoing battle for market share and their insistence on spending billions to hawk their products.

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