Humanities Texas
Primary Source Worksheet: Udo J. Keppler, “Next!”
Standard Oil's stranglehold on the US government is the subject of a 1904 political cartoon. Kids use the questions on the provided worksheet to prompt their analysis of this primary source.
Curated OER
Cartoons for the Classroom: Multinational Corporations
The octopus is a commonly used symbol in political cartoons. Help your scholars examine why it has been used in this way throughout history. Three cartoons depict different uses of the octopus. Background information helps gives context...
Curated OER
Wealth and Power: United States v. Microsoft
Students explore wealth and influence in the United States. For this Bill of Rights lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the details of the United States v. Microsoft case. Students examine the Supreme...
Curated OER
Chapter 6 and 7 Unit Test
In this Progressive Era and Big Business test worksheet, students respond to 15 matching, 3 multiple choice, and 4 short answer questions.
Curated OER
Cartoons for the Classroom: Symbolism, Octopus
In this current events worksheet, learners analyze political cartoons regarding the symbolism of the octopus and respond to 3 talking point questions.
Curated OER
The Development of Antitrust Enforcement
Students analyze antitrust enforcement. In this American economics instructional activity, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the details of the free market system and antitrust laws. Students respond to...
Curated OER
Progressivism (5)
In this online interactive American history worksheet, students answer 14 fill in the blank questions regarding the Progressive Movement. Students may submit their answers to be scored.
Curated OER
Upton Sinclair's The Jungle: Muckraking the Meat-Packing Industry
Students explore muckraking. In this American history lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the details of Upton Sinclair's The Jungle. Students respond to discussion questions pertaining to muckraking...
![Digital History: Standard Oil on Trial [Pdf] Website](https://d15y2dacu3jp90.cloudfront.net/images/attachment_defaults/resource/large/FPO-knovation.png "Digital History: Standard Oil on Trial [Pdf] Website")
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...
Vassar College
Vassar College: 1896: Trusts and Monopolies
As part of a large site dealing with the election of 1896 is this article on Trusts and Monopolies. Although the focus is on the Republicans' anti-trust sentiments in the election, you can read about the rise of big business, monopolies,...
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.
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...
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: Business Organizations [Pdf]
After a brief description of various ways that businesses are organized, find out about the monopolies formed in the age of big business in the late 19th century, focusing primarily on Standard Oil. [pdf]
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.
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.
The Washington Post
The Sherman Antitrust Act
This is a very short article, which briefly explains what a trust is and how a trust is formed. Included is a summary of the Sherman Antitrust Act, which prohibited the creation of trusts and monopolies in 1890.
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...
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: 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...
Other
Allegheny College: Ida Tarbell
Social reform resutled from the work of journalists known as muckrackers; Ida Tarbell was one such journalist. This website includes a biography as well as an archive of selected articles and letters by Tarbell.
US National Archives
Our Documents: The Sherman Anti Trust Act (1890)
Available on this informative site is an interactive copy of the original Sherman Anti-Trust Act of 1890. You can also view larger images, a typed transcript, and download a .PDF file. Beneath the interactive image is a brief but...
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: The Era of Expansion and Reform
This resource, a speech by Woodrow Wilson to Congress on April 8, 1913, gives a great review of how the United States transformed from from a rural country to an urban one. It includes a review of industrialization, new inventions,...
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.