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.
OpenStax
Open Stax: Industrialization 1870 1900: From Invention to Industrial Growth
This section of the textbook describes how new inventions spurred industrial growth in the 19th century and discusses the business methods and models of Andrew Carnegie, John Rockefeller, and J. P. Morgan.
Ducksters
Ducksters: Biography for Kids: John D. Rockefeller
Kids learn about the biography of entrepreneur John D. Rockefeller including his early life, building standard oil, business monopoly, fun facts, and charitable giving on this website.
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]
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.
Digital History
Digital History: Rockefeller's Millions [Pdf]
With the discovery of oil in Pennsylvania in the mid 1800s brought a boom to the economy. Read about the beginning of the oil industry, and particularly, John D. Rockefeller's role in it. See how his control of many parts of the...
Charles I. Kelly and Lawrence E. Kelly
American History: Election of 1960 Brings Close Race Between Kennedy, Nixon
This program from Voice of America, The Making of a Nation, presents events in American history. This segment begins with a review of the Eisenhower administration as a background to the campaign and election of 1960. Read or listen to...
Curated OER
John D. Rockefeller
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.
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.
Curated OER
Wikipedia: National Historic Landmarks in New York: John D. Rockefeller Estate
Estate of the oil tycoons, the Rockefeller family; also known as Kykuit.
Other
Irc History: The Ludlow Massacre
A good explanation of the Ludlow Massacre in the coalfields of Colorado and what led up to it. In addition, there is an interesting description of how this violent reaction to a strike by miners affected John D. Rockefeller, Jr., one of...
Curated OER
[John D. Rockefeller]
1896, A Website for Political Cartoons traces the movement against trusts and monopolies, including excerpts from newspaper articles and speeches as well as links to political cartoons about trusts.
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...
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
Digital History: Robber Baron or Industrial Statesman [Pdf]
John D. Rockefeller was a controversial figure in the business world of the 19th century. Read about his actions to consolidate his control of the oil refining business in all its aspects. Find arguments claiming that he was an...
Digital History
Digital History: Standard Oil on Trial [Pdf]
The anti-trust case against Standard Oil, based on the Sherman Antitrust Act, pitted the federal government against the largest corporation in the United States. Read the trial preparation information including the arguments of the...
Other
U.s. History Scene: The Second Industrial Revolution, 1870 1914
Between 1820 and 1860, the visual map of the United States was transformed by unprecedented urbanization and rapid territorial expansion, facilitated by the railroad system. These changes mutually fueled the Second Industrial Revolution...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Muckrakers
Sometimes a pen can be wielded more lethally than a sword. Read about the brave muckrakers who exposed corruption and injustice in government and business. These journalists attacked different areas, but the result was an introduction to...
Other
John D. Rockefeller: The 1890 Sherman Antitrust Act
Provides a short article on the 1890 Sherman Antitrust Act.
Tom Richey
Tom Richey: The Gilded Age (1877 1900)
As Reconstruction came to an end in the United States the country began to evolve into an industrial nation through the perseverance and ingenuity of masterminds like Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller. Through a collection of...
Other
Asia Society: Policy
A comprehensive storehouse of all types of information on Asia, both current and past: maps and statistics, Asian food, travel guides, photographs, articles, timelines, and more. Asia Source is the work of the Asia Society, a national...
National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: Robber Barons and Captains of Industry
A very thorough lesson plan from EDSITEment that explores the role of the robber barons in American industry in the 19th century. It explores the question of whether the robber barons were harmful or "Captains of Industry." You'll find...