Political Cartoons: The Octopus That Was Standard Oil
This cartoon is about Standard Oil, an American oil company founded in 1870 by John D. Rockefeller. It quickly became one of the largest and most powerful corporations in the world. The company achieved its dominance by implementing aggressive business practices, including vertical integration, which allowed it to control all aspects of the oil production process, from extraction to transportation to refining. Standard Oil also used its vast wealth and political influence to crush competitors and manipulate government policies in its favor.
Take a moment to study the cartoon, and then answer the questions that follow. Good luck!