Cornelius 'The Commodore' Vanderbilt rose from nothing to build the biggest shipping and railroad empires in America, and amass a great fortune. His dying words were to 'keep the money together,' but did his children and grandchildren listen?
John D Rockefeller started out with one kerosene refinery in Cleveland, Ohio. Within 15 years it became the largest oil producer in the world. After conquering the fuel industry, the Rockefellers gave much of their wealth away through philanthropy.
Henry Ford was an American pioneer. He revolutionized the automobile, the assembly line production method, and brought cars to millions of American families. But in his personal life, he was far from perfect.
J. Paul Getty made billions of dollars in the oil industry, rising to become the 'richest man in the world.' But at the peak of his success, his grandson was kidnapped. The $17 million ransom was less than he was making daily... But would he pay it?
Since 1802, the DuPont Company has supplied gunpowder to militaries worldwide. But when young Lammot DuPont pushed the company to get out of the business of war, it set off a conflict that transformed the family and the American industry for generations.
In the 1860s, Junius Morgan and his son JP arrived on Wall Street. By the end of the century, the House of Morgan controlled many of America's biggest industries. Through wars and recessions, the family dominated Wall Street.
After graduating from Harvard, Joe Kennedy, the grandson of Irish immigrants, conquered Wall Street and Hollywood. When his political career was cut short he focused on his children. One became President and the rest devoted their lives to public service.
The Bushes are one of America's oldest families. They are known more for their genteel manners and success in business and politics. So when war hero George HW Bush decides he wants to run for president, will the family name be enough to ensure victory?
William Randolph Hearst builds on his father George's mining fortune by becoming the world's first multi-media mogul; exposing himself, and future generations, to the darker side of wealth and fame.
Conrad Hilton gets rich building the world's first international hotel chain. But after his sons' rivalry almost destroys everything, his great-granddaughter emerges to redefine the family brand.
Henry Heinz builds an empire by revolutionizing food processing. His son Howard and grandson Jack must navigate wars, economic depression and changing times to keep the family-led company on course.
From the fur trade to the drug trade, John Jacob Astor builds America's first mega-fortune. One that ensuing generations of Astors will battle to control, helping to define the opulent Gilded Age.
Breakfast Cereal king CW Post's death makes his daughter the nation's richest woman. But rather than rest on his laurels, she seeks to expand on his legacy and redefine the role of women in America.
Bill Harley and Arthur Davidson work with family members to build an iconic brand. Their heirs lose control of the company but take back ownership and restore its reputation.
Andrew Carnegie creates a steel-manufacturing behemoth and becomes the world's richest man. But his legacy as a philanthropist is marred by family tragedy and a violent clash with organized labor.
Forrest Mars reunites with his estranged father to transform a candy company. Later, Forrest takes over from family members to build one of the largest privately held corporations in the world
Robert Wood Johnson starts a medical supplies company that his son grows into the world’s largest healthcare products corporation. But family rivalries and lawsuits threaten its reputation
Adolphus Busch saves a failing brewery. His grandson turns Budweiser into America's number one beer, but after a corporate takeover, a marketing ploy brings consumer backlash and plummeting sales
