National Humanities Center
National Humanities Center: Toolbox Library: Power: Taming the Octopus: Standard Oil
Excerpt from Ida Tarbell's magazine expose of Standard Oil's manipulation of the American oil industry contrasted with excerpts from John D. Rockefeller's autobiography in which he defends the practices of his company.
![Digital History: The Supreme Court Decides [Pdf] Website](https://d15y2dacu3jp90.cloudfront.net/images/attachment_defaults/resource/large/FPO-knovation.png "Digital History: The Supreme Court Decides [Pdf] Website")
Digital History
Digital History: The Supreme Court Decides [Pdf]
An explanation of the Supreme Court decision in 1911 that broke up the monopoly of Standard Oil, charged with unreasonable restraint of trade. Read commentary that claimed that the decision did not really increase competition in the oil...
Digital History
Digital History: John D. Rockefeller in Cleveland [Pdf]
John D. Rockefeller was a determined (some would say ruthless) businessman, who managed to gain control of all the oil refineries in Cleveland by 1872. Read about how he expanded his business while putting others out of business. [pdf]
Digital History
Digital History: Empire 'S Challenge to Standard [Pdf]
In the era of big business and business tycoons in the late 19th century, John D. Rockefeller held a very high position. Read about how he thwarted an attempt by two railroad owners to keep Rockefeller from controlling all the oil...
PBS
Pbs: American Experience: Rockefeller on Trial
As part of an American Experience documentary on the Rockefellers, this article describes the investigations and lawsuits against John D. Rockefeller and his Standard Oil Company because of the oil monopoly he formed.
Other
John D. Rockefeller and the Standard Oil Company: The Standard Oil Trust
This site explores how John D. Rockefeller built the first great industrial trust, as well as its subsequent investigations and dissolution.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The New Tycoons: John D. Rockefeller
John D. Rockefeller was a poster boy for big business in the late 19th century. Read about how he made his vast fortune, ans see how he ran his company.
PBS
Pbs: American Experience: The Cleveland Massacre
The details surrounding the so-called "Cleveland Massacre," in which John D. Rockefeller bought up competitors' oil refineries, are set out here.