# David Rockefeller

> American banker and philanthropist (1915–2017)

**Wikidata**: [Q11239](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11239)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Rockefeller)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/david-rockefeller

## Summary
David Rockefeller was an American banker and philanthropist (1915–2017) best known for his leadership in the financial sector and his founding of the Trilateral Commission, a non-governmental organization promoting closer cooperation among North America, Western Europe, and Japan. His work shaped global economic policies and influenced political and business elites worldwide.

## Biography
- Born: June 12, 1915, in New York City, United States
- Nationality: American
- Education:
  - Harvard University (Bachelor of Arts, 1937)
  - Harvard University (Master of Arts, 1938)
  - Harvard University (Doctor of Philosophy, 1940)
- Known for: Founding the Trilateral Commission and shaping global economic and political discourse
- Employer(s): Chase Manhattan Bank, Chase Manhattan Corporation, Rockefeller Brothers Fund
- Field(s): Finance, banking, philanthropy

## Contributions
- **Trilateral Commission (1973)**: Founded a non-governmental organization to foster cooperation among North America, Western Europe, and Japan, influencing global economic and political strategies.
- **Philanthropy**: Established the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, which supported education, health, and social welfare initiatives.
- **Banking Leadership**: Served as a director and executive in major financial institutions, including Chase Manhattan Bank and Chase Manhattan Corporation, shaping corporate finance and investment strategies.
- **Military Service**: Served in the United States Army during World War II, demonstrating his commitment to national security.

## FAQs
**What was David Rockefeller's primary role in the financial industry?**
David Rockefeller was a prominent banker who served as a director and executive in major financial institutions, including Chase Manhattan Bank and Chase Manhattan Corporation, where he played a key role in shaping corporate finance and investment strategies.

**What organization did David Rockefeller found in 1973?**
David Rockefeller founded the Trilateral Commission, a non-governmental organization aimed at fostering closer cooperation among North America, Western Europe, and Japan, influencing global economic and political strategies.

**Where did David Rockefeller receive his education?**
David Rockefeller earned his Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from Harvard University, where he studied finance and economics.

**What philanthropic work was David Rockefeller involved in?**
David Rockefeller established the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, which supported education, health, and social welfare initiatives, demonstrating his commitment to philanthropy and public welfare.

**How did David Rockefeller contribute to military service?**
David Rockefeller served in the United States Army during World War II, reflecting his dedication to national security and service to the country.

## Why They Matter
David Rockefeller's contributions to finance, philanthropy, and global policy have had a profound and lasting impact. His leadership in the financial sector shaped corporate finance and investment strategies, while his founding of the Trilateral Commission influenced global economic and political discourse. His philanthropic efforts through the Rockefeller Brothers Fund supported critical areas such as education and health, benefiting millions. As a key figure in American banking and international relations, his work continues to shape global economic policies and business practices.

## Notable For
- Founder of the Trilateral Commission (1973), a non-governmental organization promoting cooperation among North America, Western Europe, and Japan.
- Director and executive in major financial institutions, including Chase Manhattan Bank and Chase Manhattan Corporation.
- Established the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, a philanthropic organization supporting education, health, and social welfare.
- Served in the United States Army during World War II, demonstrating his commitment to national security.
- Recipient of prestigious awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour.
- Member of the American Philosophical Society, recognizing his contributions to scholarship and learned society.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
David Rockefeller was born on June 12, 1915, in New York City, United States. He received his Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from Harvard University, where he studied finance and economics. His academic background laid the foundation for his career in banking and philanthropy.

### Career in Banking and Finance
David Rockefeller began his career in the financial sector, serving as a director and executive in major institutions such as Chase Manhattan Bank and Chase Manhattan Corporation. His leadership in these organizations shaped corporate finance and investment strategies, influencing the broader financial industry.

### Founding of the Trilateral Commission
In 1973, David Rockefeller founded the Trilateral Commission, a non-governmental organization aimed at fostering closer cooperation among North America, Western Europe, and Japan. The commission's work has had a significant impact on global economic and political strategies, shaping international relations and business practices.

### Philanthropic Contributions
David Rockefeller established the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, a philanthropic organization dedicated to supporting education, health, and social welfare. Through his philanthropy, he made substantial contributions to public welfare, benefiting millions of individuals and communities.

### Military Service
During World War II, David Rockefeller served in the United States Army, demonstrating his commitment to national security and service to the country. His military experience reflected his dedication to public service and national defense.

### Awards and Recognition
David Rockefeller received numerous prestigious awards and honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour. These accolades recognized his significant contributions to finance, philanthropy, and international relations.

### Memberships and Affiliations
David Rockefeller was a member of the American Philosophical Society, a scholarly organization and learned society. He was also affiliated with Harvard University, the London School of Economics and Political Science, the University of Chicago, and Columbia University, where he contributed to academic and professional communities.

### Legacy and Influence
David Rockefeller's legacy continues to shape global economic policies, business practices, and philanthropic efforts. His work in finance, international relations, and public welfare has had a lasting impact, influencing generations of leaders and professionals.

## References

1. [David Rockefeller, Philanthropist and Head of Chase Manhattan, Dies at 101](https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/20/business/david-rockefeller-dead-chase-manhattan-banker.html?_r=1)
2. Virtual International Authority File
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4. Archives Directory for the History of Collecting in America
5. [Son of David Rockefeller Dies in Small-Plane Crash. 2014](https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/14/nyregion/richard-rockefeller-killed-in-new-york-plane-crash.html)
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13. [Source](https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R47639)
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22. [Source](https://data.library.amnh.org/archives-authorities/id/amnhc_2000319)
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