The History of Standard Oil (book)

"The History of Standard Oil" by Ida Tarbell is a detailed investigation into the rise of John D. Rockefeller’s oil empire in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It chronicles how Standard Oil grew by combining many smaller companies, using aggressive business tactics to dominate the industry. The book exposes practices like secret rebates and ruthless competition that led to Monopoly control. Tarbell’s work helped spark public outrage and led to government action, resulting in the company’s breakup in 1911 under antitrust laws. Overall, it offers a critical look at the problems of corporate power and monopolies.