Abstract
For a very long time, the American way of life was the dream of many citizens around the world as everyone imagined that they would be able to enjoy a far better life in the New World. The descriptions of the country made by those who had crossed the Oceans appealed to people everywhere. The legendary success stories of self-made men who had become rich "overnight" further enhanced that dream. Rockefeller (1839-1937), a manufacturer and financier created Standard Oil that became Esso. The profits of the company were used for a philanthropic end. Morgan (1837-1913), a banker, created several big trusts and bequeathed a part of his works of art to the Metropolitan Museum in New York. Carnegie (1835-1919), a Scottish manufacturer created the trust of steel and bequeathed his fortune to charitable organizations (hospitals, libraries, schools, churches etc).
