There is often a focus on families such as the Romneys, Trumps, Kennedys, etc. I want to highlight another family that people should understand. The Koch Family. I will argue that they have stealthily had a greater impact on American Political life than any other family of the last one hundred years.

Sons of Wichita: How the Koch Brothers Became America’s Most Powerful and Private Dynasty” by Daniel Schulman is a biography that explores the lives of the Koch brothers—Charles, David, William, and Frederick—and their rise to power as one of the wealthiest and most influential families in the United States. The book provides a detailed account of the Koch family’s business empire, built primarily through Koch Industries, and delves into the complex relationships between the four brothers.

Key Themes and Summary:

1. Family Dynamics and Early Life: The book begins by tracing the Koch brothers’ upbringing in Wichita, Kansas, under the strict, conservative values of their father, Fred Koch, who founded Koch Industries. Fred’s success in the oil industry laid the foundation for his sons’ future wealth, but it also fostered intense sibling rivalry. The book highlights the intense boxing matches between twins David and Bill. It notes how at one point Bill brandished a butcher knife toward David. A lot of this sibling rivalry stemmed from the lack of love their father showed them, and the way they competed for his attention and approval.
2. Power Struggles and Feuds: Much of the book focuses on the deep divisions between the brothers, especially Charles and David (who remained at the helm of Koch Industries) and William and Frederick (who became estranged from the business). The family’s internal legal battles over control of the company are a major plot point. William and Frederick sued Charles and David in the 1980s in a bitter corporate fight that nearly tore the family apart.
3. Charles and David’s Rise: Charles and David Koch emerged as the dominant figures in the family business, turning Koch Industries into one of the largest privately held companies in the world. They also became highly influential political figures, using their wealth to fund libertarian and conservative causes. Charles, in particular, is depicted as the mastermind behind the brothers’ extensive political network, which has had a profound impact on American politics.
4. Political Influence: The book highlights the Koch brothers’ role in reshaping the political landscape in the U.S., particularly through their support for small government, deregulation, and free-market policies. They funded think tanks, advocacy groups, and political campaigns, making them key players in the rise of the Tea Party movement and influencing Republican Party strategies.
5. Private Lives and Public Perception: While Charles and David are known for their public roles, the book also explores the more private lives of all four brothers, detailing their personalities, relationships, and how they have managed—or failed—to stay out of the public spotlight. It also touches on their philanthropic efforts, with both brothers contributing to various cultural and scientific causes, though often overshadowed by their political activity.

In Sons of Wichita, Schulman provides a nuanced portrait of the Koch family, showing both their incredible success and the personal and political controversies that have followed them. The book combines in-depth research with interviews to offer an inside look at how the Koch brothers became some of the most powerful figures in America.