How The Bush Family Dynasty Became America's First Family Of Finance

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America doesn't have many political dynasties as powerful and well know as the Bush Family. Their success is an effort that takes money, power, and all of the right connections - some of which comes from a history on Wall Street.

Bushes have served in both the executive and legislative branches of our federal government - the family provided a pair of Presidents - the 41st and 43rd, and have held two state governorships.

And because of George W. Bush's close ties to Texas and connections with the oil industry, the Bush family is often perceived as a bunch of oil tycoons.

In reality, however, the oil industry is just one of many in which the Bush family displayed their financial expertise. The family tradition, which continues to this day, was founded upon the pursuit of riches through investment banking and wartime business ventures.

This is why the family has had a hand in businesses from Halliburton to Merrill Lynch, and also has a history of owning major league sports teams.

Linette Lopez also contributed to this story.