Standard Oil Trust

Standard Oil, founded by John D. Rockefeller in 1870, was a dominant force in the American petroleum industry from 1882 to 1911. The company revolutionized the oil business through innovative organizational structures, aggressive business tactics, and technological advancements. Despite its near-monopoly status and controversial practices, Standard Oil's efficiency and scale contributed significantly to America's industrial growth. In 1911, the U.S. Supreme Court ordered its dissolution in a landmark antitrust case, resulting in the creation of 34 independent companies. Although disbanded, Standard Oil's legacy continued through these spin-off companies, many of which became major players in the global energy market. The company's impact on American business, politics, and society was profound, shaping industrial practices and economic development for decades to come.