1910's Business and the Economy | Durant, William C. 1861-1947

FOUNDER OF GENERAL MOTORS

Big Dreams.

William C. "Billy" Durant was not the typical automotive executive of the 1910s—an engineer or designer who liked to tinker with cars. Durant, rather, was a man of big dreams, a master stock market manipulator, charmer, and intense individual. He was a wealthy entrepreneur and salesman who fell in love with a Buick in 1904 and decided that he wanted to become a car baron. Fortunately, he had the initiative and access to money to pursue his dream. Durant wanted to create a group of independent car companies that cooperated with one another and could take control of the industry, following the pattern of consolidation in railroads and banking. Durant's greatest trait was as an empire builder. If he did not have the resources to achieve his goals, he would engage the imaginations of others who were powerful and wealthy.

Founds GM.

On 16 September 1908 Durant...