The 1960s marked a transformative era for the United States, demonstrating significant growth within its industries and social programs. Despite numerous societal shifts, the corporate sector saw little change in its hierarchy, with automotive and oil companies prevailing as Fortune 500 leaders. This exploration delves into the 20 corporations that reigned over the American business realm during the 1960s.
General Motors: The Undisputed Leader
General Motors (GM) topped the corporate charts throughout the 1960s, credited to its innovative vehicle lineup, which included the Chevrolet Corvair and Chevrolet Nova. These family-oriented models, coupled with the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac GTO, solidified GM’s dominance in the automotive industry. This was further strengthened by suburban expansion, enhancing GM’s status as a pivotal American company.
IBM’s Technological Ascendancy
By the latter part of the 1960s, International Business Machines (IBM), previously known for launching the vacuum tube computer, experienced exponential growth. This period saw IBM lay the foundation for the modern computer industry, becoming the benchmark for electronic data processing and securing its place as a Fortune 500 mainstay.
Exxon’s Oil Supremacy
Exxon, an oil industry colossus, not only dominated the 1960s with its production, refining, and distribution capabilities but also innovated with patents for low-emission and electric vehicles. Its global influence over energy markets has persisted for decades.
Goodyear’s Innovative Touch
Goodyear Tire & Rubber achieved critical milestones in the 1960s, such as reaching one billion tires manufactured and pioneering the development of all-season and radial tires. The company also diversified into chemicals, synthetic rubber, and aerospace, culminating in $3 billion in sales by the end of the decade.
Ford’s Enduring Legacy
Ford Motor Company, recognized for the iconic 1964 Ford Mustang, played an essential role in both automotive innovation and the aerospace sector, contributing to NASA’s Mission Control systems and winning the 1966 24-hour Le Mans race.
The list of business giants includes General Electric’s advancements in computer technology and medical imaging, AT&T Technologies’ telecommunications breakthroughs, and Bethlehem Steel’s contributions to infrastructure and defense. DuPont’s chemical innovations, CBS’s dominance in broadcasting, Boeing’s aviation milestones, U.S. Steel’s challenges, and Chrysler’s automotive prowess underscore the era’s industrial strengths. Procter & Gamble, RCA, Kraft, Eastman Kodak, Texaco, ITT Inc., and General Telephone & Electronics (later Verizon) also left indelible marks with their products, acquisitions, and innovations, shaping the corporate landscape of the 1960s.
