Question

This cartoon was published in Puck magazine in 1904. Based on the picture, what is this cartoon stating about trusts (in this case the Standard Oil trust)?
A.
Trusts often sought to control the U.S. government and many other aspects of life.
B.
Trusts were helpful because they reached out and supported their workers.
C.
The trusts had many executives because they wanted to spread power out among many people.
D.
The U.S. government was financially supported by trusts like the Standard Oil Company.

Answer 1

A. Trusts often sought to control the U.S. government and many other aspects of life.

Explanation: Puck cartoons commonly pictured Standard Oil as an octopus whose tentacles reached into the Capitol, statehouses, markets and transportation — implying the trust extended its power and influence over government and many parts of society.