Transcript
Introduction
"The name of Nobel usually calls to mind Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite and the Nobel prizes, which he endowed, but other members of the Nobel family were no less creative and innovative. In fact, the range of their achievements in building an industrial empire truly qualifies them to be known as The Russian Rockefellers.
The founder of this Russian industrial dynasty was an immigrant from Sweden. Immanuel Nobel was an architect, a pioneer producer of steam engines and a weapons maker. Decades before his son, Alfred's dynamite began to alter the character of modern warfare. Immanuel designed, invented and produced underwater mines.
Immanuel's other sons included Robert, who directed the family's activities in the Caspian oil fields." And as you and I will talk about a spur of the moment decision by Robert actually changes the entire trajectory of the Nobel family from weapon makers into developing the entire Russian oil industry. And Ludvig, who is going to be the majority of what I want to talk to you about today.