Jarvin Marconi Torrez Mr. Leopoldo López Integrated Capstone Course October 9, 2016 The Men Who Built America – Part 1 For the first time in the existence of America, the man most capable of leading the country is not a politician but rather a self-made man. These times were pure competition, and business Darwinism was reflected more than ever. It was valid to use as any means necessary to succeed. Cornelius Vanderbilt, in his sixteen years, bought a small ferry which soon became a fleet of ships, transporting goods and passengers to every corner of the growing country. However, he saw a great opportunity in railroad because they offered cheap and efficient transportation, and he sells all of his ships and invests all he had in railroads. By the end of the war, Vanderbilt is the richest man in America, with a net worth of over sixty-eight million dollars. These great men were leaded by something more than money, and that is achievement. Vanderbilt acquired more than 90% of The U.S. railroads companies. As Ron Perelman stated, “I think there are people in every generation that have a vision that, um, transcends their moment and their time.” As a result, Vanderbilt realized transporting oil, an increasing demand product, could increase his wealth even more. This is the time when John D. Rockefeller gets into the game. At the age of twenty seven, he began his oil refining business, Standard Oil, which was going through hard times. Vanderbilt and Rockefeller made an agreement; Standard Oil will provide with enough oil to fill Vanderbilt’s railroads. As a result, John Rockefeller's Standard Oil became the largest producer of refined kerosene in the country. Then, he made a cartel with another big railroad enterprise ran by Thomas Scott, so Rockefeller got a more convenient