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Questions and Answers
What was the outcome of the private auction between Maurice Clark and John D. Rockefeller?
What was the outcome of the private auction between Maurice Clark and John D. Rockefeller?
What was the initial bidding amount at the private auction?
What was the initial bidding amount at the private auction?
How did Maurice Clark react when Rockefeller bid $72,500 at the auction?
How did Maurice Clark react when Rockefeller bid $72,500 at the auction?
What did Rockefeller consider the day of the private auction to be, half a century later?
What did Rockefeller consider the day of the private auction to be, half a century later?
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What did the handshake between Rockefeller and Clark symbolize?
What did the handshake between Rockefeller and Clark symbolize?
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What did Maurice Clark threaten before the private auction took place?
What did Maurice Clark threaten before the private auction took place?
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What was one of Rockefeller's primary concerns about the oil refining business?
What was one of Rockefeller's primary concerns about the oil refining business?
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What was one of the first steps Rockefeller took toward integration in his business?
What was one of the first steps Rockefeller took toward integration in his business?
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What did Rockefeller do to insulate his company from market volatility?
What did Rockefeller do to insulate his company from market volatility?
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What was one of the key contributions of Henry Flagler to the partnership with Rockefeller?
What was one of the key contributions of Henry Flagler to the partnership with Rockefeller?
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What did Henry Flagler later venture into after his partnership with Rockefeller?
What did Henry Flagler later venture into after his partnership with Rockefeller?
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What was the size of Rockefeller's refinery by the late 1860s?
What was the size of Rockefeller's refinery by the late 1860s?
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What was the main focus of Standard Oil's expansion?
What was the main focus of Standard Oil's expansion?
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What was the nature of John D. Rockefeller's character?
What was the nature of John D. Rockefeller's character?
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How did Rockefeller's firm expand during the Civil War and the opening of the West?
How did Rockefeller's firm expand during the Civil War and the opening of the West?
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What led to the fierce competition and monopolies in the United States after the Civil War?
What led to the fierce competition and monopolies in the United States after the Civil War?
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What did Rockefeller do during the oil boom to expand his business?
What did Rockefeller do during the oil boom to expand his business?
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What impact did the 'Great Game' have on America?
What impact did the 'Great Game' have on America?
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What was the main reason for the controversy surrounding Standard Oil's use of rebates and drawbacks?
What was the main reason for the controversy surrounding Standard Oil's use of rebates and drawbacks?
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What was the primary factor that led to a depression in the oil industry in the 1860s?
What was the primary factor that led to a depression in the oil industry in the 1860s?
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Who played a critical role in the formation of Standard Oil?
Who played a critical role in the formation of Standard Oil?
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What was the initial impact of the establishment of the Standard Oil Company in 1870 on the American refining industry?
What was the initial impact of the establishment of the Standard Oil Company in 1870 on the American refining industry?
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What was the purpose of increasing Standard Oil's capitalization in preparation for its campaign?
What was the purpose of increasing Standard Oil's capitalization in preparation for its campaign?
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What caused confusion and concern among independent producers and refiners in the Oil Regions in 1872?
What caused confusion and concern among independent producers and refiners in the Oil Regions in 1872?
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What was the primary driving force behind the South Improvement Company?
What was the primary driving force behind the South Improvement Company?
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What was the outcome of the outrage sparked by the South Improvement Company in the Oil Regions?
What was the outcome of the outrage sparked by the South Improvement Company in the Oil Regions?
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Who gained control over most of Cleveland's refining and important refiners in New York City by spring 1872?
Who gained control over most of Cleveland's refining and important refiners in New York City by spring 1872?
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What characterized the oil industry in the late 19th century in terms of the number of producers?
What characterized the oil industry in the late 19th century in terms of the number of producers?
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What was Rockefeller's main focus in response to the chaos and scramble among producers?
What was Rockefeller's main focus in response to the chaos and scramble among producers?
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What was Standard Oil's battle plan to bring competitors under control?
What was Standard Oil's battle plan to bring competitors under control?
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Study Notes
The Oil War and the Rise of Standard Oil
- The South Improvement Company was a scheme to stabilize the oil industry and achieve monopoly control, primarily driven by the railroads.
- The scheme involved railroads and refiners banding together in cartels, receiving rebates and drawbacks on shipments, and dividing markets.
- The South Improvement Company sparked outrage in the Oil Regions, leading to a boycott of the refiners and railroads by producers.
- Rockefeller was a principal implementer of the scheme, and despite the backlash, he had no doubts about his actions.
- The Oil War, opposing the railroads, Rockefeller, and other refiners, led to the disownment and scuttling of the South Improvement Company by April 1872.
- By spring 1872, Rockefeller had gained control over most of Cleveland's refining and important refiners in New York City, positioning himself as the master of the largest refinery group in the world.
- The 1870s saw a rise in oil production, with repeated failed attempts to restrict production and recurring gluts causing price falls.
- The oil industry had an unstable environment with numerous producers, estimated to be as high as sixteen thousand firms in the Oil Regions in the late 19th century.
- Rockefeller saw the chaos and scramble among producers with revulsion, targeting the refiners as his main focus.
- Rockefeller's strategy was to end the "cut-throat policy of making no profits" and make the oil business safe and profitable under his control.
- Standard Oil's battle plan involved attempts to buy out leading refiners, followed by cutting prices and orchestrating tactics like a "barrel famine" to pressure competitors.
- Standard Oil operated with secrecy, using tactics like making competitors "feel sick" or operate at a loss to bring them under control.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the Oil War and the rise of Standard Oil with this quiz. Explore the South Improvement Company's monopoly scheme, Rockefeller's strategies, and the turbulent environment of the 19th-century oil industry. See how much you know about the key events and players in this pivotal period of oil history.
