Ida Tarbell
Work(s):
- "The History of the Standard Oil Company" (published in 1904)
Subject(s):
- The monopolistic practices of the Standard Oil Company, led by John D. Rockefeller.
What They Exposed:
- Tarbell meticulously documented Standard Oil's unethical business practices, including secret deals, intimidation tactics, and illegal activities that stifled competition. She highlighted how the company manipulated the market to eliminate rivals and establish a near-total monopoly over the American oil industry.
Result:
- The publication of her work led to significant public outcry against Standard Oil and raised awareness about corporate monopolies' dangers. It contributed to the growing Progressive Era reform movement aimed at regulating large corporations and addressing issues of economic fairness.
Aftermath, Outcome, Effect:
- Tarbell's investigative work played a crucial role in the eventual breakup of Standard Oil in 1911, when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the company violated the Sherman Antitrust Act. Her work encouraged other journalists and reformers, reinforcing the muckraking movement's impact on American society. Tarbell became a renowned figure in journalism and reform, instrumental in promoting regulatory legislation and fostering public awareness of corporate power.
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