After the Civil War, the United States commences an age of enlightenment and unparalleled growth, led by the entrepreneurial vision of five men.

Kerosene is being used to keep America lit after dark, and the demand for oil is rising; Vanderbilt approaches John D Rockefeller for help filling his trains with oil.

Andrew Carnegie immigrates to the United States and begins work at the age of 12. After his mentor, Tom Scott, dies having been humiliated by Rockefeller, Carnegie vows revenge.

Carnegie hires Henry Frick to give him an advantage over Rockefeller, unaware of Frick's proclivity for taking shortcuts. The pair is responsible for the disaster at Johnstown Dam, which claims more than 2000 lives.

The battle between Carnegie and Rockefeller continues as JP Morgan opens a bank in New York City with a vision of furthering the United States' technological advancements.

JP Morgan underwrites the Edison Electric Company and homes in New York start to be wired. Rival Nikola Tesla develops his own plans for creating electric light.