Origins and Early Life
Gatsby, born James Gatz, grew up in a poor farming family in North Dakota. He later reinvented himself, adopting a new name and identity to distance himself from his humble beginnings. His early life was marked by a strong desire for wealth and status.
Military Service and Meeting Dan Cody
During World War I, Gatsby served as a young officer. It was in this period that he met the wealthy copper mogul Dan Cody, who became a mentor. Cody’s lifestyle exposed Gatsby to the world of high finance and luxury, shaping his future ambitions.
Acquisition of Wealth
Gatsby amassed his fortune through a combination of bootlegging and other illicit business dealings during the Prohibition era. He also engaged in speculative investments, as detailed by various historical analyses of the period. His wealth was a means to an end, primarily to win back Daisy Buchanan.
