American Dynasty

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 becomes Standard Oil, the largest oil producer in the world. After conquering the fuel industry, the Rockefellers give much of their wealth away and dedicate their lives to 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 dollar ransom was less than he was making daily…but would he pay it?

Exploring the evolving narrative of America through the stories of some of the nation's most famous families.

Exploring the evolving narrative of America through the stories of some of the nation's most famous families.

Exploring the evolving narrative of America through the stories of some of the nation's most famous families.

Exploring the evolving narrative of America through the stories of some of the nation's most famous families.