Document F

I ascribe the success of the Standard [Oil Company] to its consistent policy to make the volume of its business large through the merits and cheapness of its products. It has spared no expense in finding, securing, and utilizing the best and cheapest methods of manufacture. It has sought the best superintendents and workmen and paid the best wages… It has not only sought markets for its principal products, but for all possible by-products… It has not hesitated to invest millions of dollars in methods of cheapening the gathering and distribution of oils by pipelines, special cars, tank steamers, and tank wagons… It has spared no expense in forcing its products into the markets of the world… It has had faith in American oil, and has brought together millions of money for the purpose of making it what it is, and holding its market against the competition of Russia and all the many countries which are producers of oil and competitors against American oil… It is too late to argue about the advantages of industrial combinations. They are a necessity. And if Americans are to have the privilege of extending their business… they are a necessity on a large scale…

Source: U.S. Congress, Industrial Commission, “John D. Rockefeller, Answers to Interrogatories,” Reports of the
Industrial Commission: Vol. 2 Hearings before the Industrial Commission (Washington, DC, 1900), 794-797.



Document Analysis

1. Rockefeller gave this testimony to the U.S. Congress in 1899. Why do you think he was being investigated?




2. How have the practices of Standard Oil benefited the consumer, according to Rockefeller?





3. According to Rockefeller, what has he done for the United States?




4. Does Rockefeller identify himself as a captain of industry or a robber baron?