Even Charles Pratt and Henry H. Rogers, Rockefellers’ former antagonists, eventually see the futility of continuing to compete against Standard Oil: in 1874, they make a secret agreement with their old nemesis to be acquired.

Pratt and Rogers become Rockefeller's partners.

Rogers, in particular, becomes one of Rockefeller's key men in the formation of the Standard Oil Trust.

Pratt's son, Charles Millard Pratt, will eventually become Secretary of Standard Oil.

For many of his competitors, Rockefeller has merely to show them his books so they can see what they are up against, then make them a decent offer.

If they refuse his offer, he tells them he will run them into bankruptcy, then cheaply buy up their assets at auction.

He sees himself as the industry’s savior, "an angel of mercy", absorbing the weak and making the industry as a whole stronger, more efficient, and more competitive.