What were John D. Rockefeller’s accomplishments?

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

John D. Rockefeller founded the Standard Oil Company, which dominated the oil industry and was the first great U.S. business trust. Later in life he turned his attention to charity. He made possible the founding of the University of Chicago and endowed major philanthropic institutions. Rockefeller’s benefactions during his lifetime totaled more than $500 million.