Standard Oil History

Muckrakers — a term coined in 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt — referred to American journalists, novelists and critics who, in the early 20th century, attempted to expose corruption in politics and the abuses of big business. One publication spearheading these exposés was McClures Magazine, and Ida Tarbell was the writer whose dramatic revelations eventually lead to effective regulation of the Standard Oil Company.

"The History of the Standard Oil Company" is an exposé about the Standard Oil Company, run by oil tycoon John D. Rockefeller, the richest figure in American history. The inspiration behind this book was largely fueled by author's childhood experiences. Her father worked for Standard Oil and lived through what she called "hate, suspicion, and fear that engulfed the community."