John Maynard Keynes (1883-1946)

Not the household name that Rockefeller, Morgan or even Smith are, but John Maynard Keynes definitely left his mark on the modern world. He published the book The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money in the heart of the Great Depression, nailing the timing perfectly on his brand new economic theories. Among many new things talked about, he argued that the government was the best agent to bring a country out of economic difficulties and he was also the first to argue for government to spend money it didn't have (FDR would soon become the President that ushered in deficit spending in the United States). This book led to an absolute split in the way the world looked at economics, one that could still be seen today if you look into American politics.

 

 

John D. Rockefeller (1839-1937)

One of the most famous (if not the most famous) oil tycoon of all time, Rockefeller made such a fortune that his family though solid businessmen under their own right has been incredibly wealthy ever since his time. Rockefeller, before Antitrust laws mattered, used trusts to dominate the oil industry through liquidation/bankruptcy price control and hoarding of profits to overrun other companies during price wars. Because of the actions of the capitalists like Rockefeller and those of his time, the Sherman Antitrust law, other antitrust, and antimonopoly legistlation was put into place over the years opening up the market for small businesses to make their mark.

 

This poll closes Sunday at midnight (extra day for a weekend). As always, post your opinions, as that's the point of the whole thing anyways.

Reagan and Keynes have much more in common than commonly thought. Govt spending didnt collapse during the Reagan years. It was just diverted. I vote JMK.

I think I will continue with my monopolist theme of voting thus far and go with Rockefeller. I mean, how many people have their name plastered all over New York City, that being Rockefeller. Any answers? Well, that would because his family was so damn powerful.

if you take the value of the dollar back then compared to now, Rockefeller is the richest person that ever lived, so you gotta vote for him

Rockefeller

Keynes, because I value the guys who came up with the theories over the people who implemented them successfully.

Johnny D.

Keynes, because I value the guys who came up with the theories over the people who implemented them successfully.

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it takes a lot more to make it work than to come up with it

Keynes was one of Roosevelt's main people who helped to analyze the Great Depression's cause, and soon after the solution to getting the economy back on its feet. He is generally credited with being the founder of modern economics. I'm going with him.

I'm not a huge fan of Keynesian economics.

 

 

John Rockerfeller was probably the most successful businessman in American history, putting even the great mogules of this day to shame.

 

 

Rockerfeller gets my vote.

John Rockerfeller was probably the most successful businessman in American history, putting even the great mogules of this day to shame.

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he wasn't probably, there is no doubt that he was...while many people today have more money than he had, none of them, not even Bill Gates, come close to his wealth if you consider that value of the dollar back then compared to today

I'm not that big a fan of Keyne's theories, however one cannot argue the influence he has had over the economy since his ideas were implemented. He gets my vote.

Rockefeller, that dewd had money out the ying yang.

John Rockerfeller was probably the most successful businessman in American history, putting even the great mogules of this day to shame.

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he wasn't probably, there is no doubt that he was...while many people today have more money than he had, none of them, not even Bill Gates, come close to his wealth if you consider that value of the dollar back then compared to today

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ya but he also had the luxury of unregulated industries.

I agree with Juanky's statement. If this were a poll determining greatness, you would have to go with Rockefeller but in terms of influence you go with the founder of an economic system that is still a major player in the world's greatest economy.

Rockefeller did business before there was any major regulation of his practices. He wasn't exactly a nice guy either.

John D. Rockefeller advances (15-9) to face Adam Smith in the Round of 32.