The Long Arc Behind Bill Gates' Wealth, Part 2

Did Bill Gates acquire most of his wealth by fair means or foul? Last issue's column examined the 1980s and early 1990s and largely saw fair actions. A few fell on the border. Today we ask about the mid-1990s and beyond. What a period this was for Gates. The diffusion of the Internet required a redirection of numerous Microsoft activities. Gates had the skills to lead such an organizational renewal, and he did. Those actions were impressive. The Internet also raised numerous challenges to Microsoft's market dominance. In protecting that dominance, Gates was accused of committing many fouls. These also were impressive, albeit in an infamous way. The details make for a rich story behind a wealthy man.