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1980s oil glut Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The 1980s Oil Glut: Causes, Impacts, and Market Dynamics

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The 1980s Oil Glut: Causes, Impacts, and Market Dynamics Study Guide

Origins of the Glut: Demand Reduction and Supply Expansion

The primary driver of the 1980s oil glut was a significant surge in global oil demand.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 1980s oil glut was primarily caused by a substantial drop in global demand, not a surge. This reduction in demand was a consequence of economic slowdowns and energy conservation measures implemented following the 1970s energy crises.

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Increased oil production from non-OPEC countries constituted a major contributing factor to the oversupply characteristic of the 1980s oil glut.

Answer: True

Explanation: The expansion of oil production from non-OPEC nations, including regions like Siberia, Alaska, and the North Sea, significantly contributed to the global oversupply that defined the 1980s oil glut.

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The energy crises of the 1970s indirectly precipitated a decrease in oil demand during the 1980s, largely attributable to widespread conservation efforts.

Answer: True

Explanation: The high oil prices and supply disruptions of the 1970s spurred significant investments in energy conservation and efficiency, which subsequently reduced oil demand in the 1980s.

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The CEO of Exxon attributed the oil surplus in the early 1980s primarily to decreased global oil demand, not increased demand.

Answer: True

Explanation: The CEO of Exxon characterized the early 1980s oil surplus primarily as a result of declining global oil consumption, aligning with the broader understanding of the glut's causes.

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The 1980s oil glut was characterized by both falling global demand and a subsequent fall in oil prices.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 1980s oil glut was indeed marked by a significant decrease in global oil demand, which directly contributed to the subsequent sharp decline in oil prices.

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Which confluence of factors primarily precipitated the 1980s oil glut?

Answer: A substantial drop in global demand and increased non-OPEC production.

Explanation: The 1980s oil glut was primarily caused by a significant reduction in global oil demand, coupled with increased production from non-OPEC countries, leading to an oversupply.

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Which factor was instrumental in the reduction of oil demand during the early 1980s?

Answer: Widespread implementation of energy conservation measures following the 1970s crises.

Explanation: The energy conservation measures adopted in response to the 1970s crises were a key factor in reducing oil demand during the early 1980s.

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According to the provided source material, what was the primary reason cited by the CEO of Exxon for the oil surplus observed in the early 1980s?

Answer: Declining oil consumption.

Explanation: The CEO of Exxon cited declining global oil consumption as the primary reason for the oil surplus observed in the early 1980s.

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Market Dynamics: The Dramatic Decline in Oil Prices

Oil prices experienced a dramatic increase throughout the 1980s, reaching new historical highs.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to the statement, oil prices experienced a dramatic decline throughout the 1980s, falling significantly from their early decade peaks.

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The precipitous decline in oil prices during the 1980s rendered high-cost oil production facilities more profitable.

Answer: False

Explanation: The sharp decline in oil prices during the 1980s made high-cost oil production facilities unprofitable, leading to their closure or reduced output.

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The inflation-adjusted real price of oil in 1986 was significantly lower than the price in 1981.

Answer: True

Explanation: The inflation-adjusted real price of oil decreased substantially from 1981 to 1986, reflecting the dramatic price collapse during the 1980s oil glut.

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What was the approximate peak price of crude oil per barrel in 1980, preceding the significant price decline of the 1980s?

Answer: Over $35

Explanation: In 1980, crude oil prices reached a peak exceeding $35 per barrel before the substantial price decline that characterized the remainder of the decade.

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What was the general trend of oil prices throughout the 1980s?

Answer: They experienced a dramatic decline from their earlier highs.

Explanation: Oil prices generally trended downwards throughout the 1980s, marking a significant departure from the high prices of the preceding decade.

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What was the approximate inflation-adjusted price of crude oil per barrel in 1986, expressed in 2004 dollars?

Answer: $26.80

Explanation: The inflation-adjusted price of crude oil in 1986 was approximately $26.80 per barrel in 2004 dollars, a significant decrease from earlier years.

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How did prominent media outlets, such as The New York Times and Time magazine, characterize the oil situation in the early 1980s?

Answer: As an 'oil glut' or 'temporary surplus,' although some debated the terminology.

Explanation: Media outlets often described the early 1980s oil situation as an 'oil glut' or 'temporary surplus,' though the precise terminology and its implications were subjects of debate.

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During 1986, oil prices experienced a rapid decline, falling from approximately $27 per barrel to what approximate level?

Answer: Below $10 per barrel

Explanation: In 1986, oil prices plummeted from around $27 per barrel to below $10 per barrel, illustrating the dramatic nature of the price collapse.

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Which statement most accurately reflects the media's reporting on the early 1980s oil situation, as presented in the source material?

Answer: Media reported an 'oil glut' but acknowledged debate about the term and its causes.

Explanation: According to the source, media reports characterized the situation as an 'oil glut' but also noted discussions and debates regarding the precise terminology and underlying causes.

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OPEC's Shifting Influence and Strategic Responses

OPEC successfully averted the oil price collapse and preserved its dominant market position throughout the 1980s through the implementation of production cuts.

Answer: False

Explanation: Despite implementing production cuts, OPEC was unable to prevent the oil price collapse or maintain its dominant market position during the 1980s due to rising non-OPEC production and reduced global demand.

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Saudi Arabia willingly maintained its function as the principal 'swing producer' for OPEC throughout the entirety of the 1980s decade.

Answer: False

Explanation: Saudi Arabia abandoned its role as the primary 'swing producer' in 1985, shifting to full production capacity due to frustration with other OPEC members' adherence to quotas.

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Saudi Arabia's strategic decision to augment its oil production in late 1985 was intended to support and stabilize oil prices at elevated levels.

Answer: False

Explanation: Saudi Arabia's decision to increase production in late 1985 was intended to regain market share and drive down prices, not to support or stabilize them at higher levels.

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The 1980s oil glut substantially diminished OPEC's capacity to control global oil prices.

Answer: True

Explanation: The increased supply from non-OPEC producers and reduced global demand significantly weakened OPEC's ability to dictate global oil prices during the 1980s.

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A 'swing producer' within OPEC is a member country that adjusts its production levels significantly to stabilize market conditions, typically by cutting output, not consistently increasing it.

Answer: True

Explanation: A 'swing producer' within OPEC plays a crucial role in market stabilization by adjusting output, usually through reductions, to influence prices, rather than consistently increasing production.

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By 1985, OPEC nations were supplying the majority of Western oil imports.

Answer: False

Explanation: By 1985, OPEC's share of Western oil imports had fallen below one-third; non-OPEC nations were supplying the majority.

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Saudi Arabia's decision to increase production was aimed at regaining market share and driving down prices, not at helping high-cost producers remain competitive.

Answer: True

Explanation: Saudi Arabia's strategic shift to increased production in 1985 was intended to pressure high-cost producers and regain market share by lowering prices, rather than supporting their competitiveness.

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The oil glut significantly weakened OPEC's ability to dictate global oil prices.

Answer: True

Explanation: The increased supply from non-OPEC nations and reduced global demand during the 1980s oil glut substantially diminished OPEC's capacity to control global oil prices.

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What primary strategy did OPEC employ to counteract falling oil prices and declining market share during the 1980s?

Answer: By implementing significant production cuts to reduce overall supply.

Explanation: OPEC's primary strategy to combat falling prices and market share involved implementing substantial production cuts to reduce the overall global oil supply.

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What strategic alteration did Saudi Arabia implement in September 1985 concerning its oil production policy?

Answer: It abandoned its role as a 'swing producer' and began producing at full capacity.

Explanation: In September 1985, Saudi Arabia abandoned its 'swing producer' role and began producing at full capacity, a strategic shift aimed at regaining market share and influencing prices.

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How did OPEC's market share within the global oil sector evolve throughout the 1980s?

Answer: It decreased substantially, falling below one-third by 1985.

Explanation: OPEC's share of the global oil market significantly decreased during the 1980s, falling below one-third by 1985.

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Saudi Arabia altered its production strategy in 1985 predominantly due to which reason?

Answer: It felt other OPEC members were not adhering to quotas, and it aimed to regain market share.

Explanation: Saudi Arabia changed its production strategy in 1985 primarily because it perceived that other OPEC members were not adhering to production quotas, leading Saudi Arabia to aim for regaining market share.

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Non-OPEC Production Surges and Market Share

The Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) commenced operations in the mid-1980s.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) began its operations in 1977, well before the mid-1980s, facilitating the transport of Alaskan oil to market.

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The Prudhoe Bay Oil Field attained its peak production levels circa 1988.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Prudhoe Bay Oil Field, a significant contributor to U.S. oil production, reached its peak output levels around the year 1988.

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The discovery and subsequent development of oil fields in the North Sea significantly contributed to the augmented oil supply during the 1980s.

Answer: True

Explanation: The development of major oil fields in the North Sea during the 1970s and 1980s substantially increased global oil supply, playing a role in the market conditions leading to the 1980s oil glut.

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The Gulf of Mexico was identified as a region experiencing an increase, not a decline, in oil production outside of OPEC during the 1980s.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Gulf of Mexico was among the regions outside of OPEC that saw increased oil production during the 1980s, contributing to the overall market surplus.

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The development of oil fields in the North Sea, such as Ekofisk, contributed to the market conditions that led to the 1980s oil glut.

Answer: True

Explanation: The substantial oil discoveries and production from North Sea fields augmented global supply, contributing to the market dynamics that resulted in the 1980s oil glut.

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Which geographical regions emerged as significant sources of increased oil production outside of OPEC during the 1980s?

Answer: Siberia, Alaska, the North Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico.

Explanation: Regions such as Siberia, Alaska, the North Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico were key areas outside of OPEC that saw substantial increases in oil production during the 1980s.

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What was the specific role of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) within the context of the 1980s oil market?

Answer: It began operation in 1977, facilitating the transport of Alaskan oil to market.

Explanation: The Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS), operational since 1977, was crucial for transporting Alaskan oil, contributing to the domestic supply during the 1980s.

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Which of the following geographical locations was NOT cited in the source material as a significant area of increased non-OPEC oil production during the 1980s?

Answer: The Persian Gulf

Explanation: While Alaska, the North Sea, and Siberia were noted for increased non-OPEC production, the Persian Gulf is primarily associated with OPEC member states and was not cited as a region of increased non-OPEC output in this context.

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Global Economic Impacts: Beneficiaries and Adversaries

Owing to reduced domestic consumption and augmented domestic production, the United States imported a lower percentage of its oil during the 1980s compared to the late 1970s.

Answer: True

Explanation: Factors such as reduced domestic consumption and increased domestic production led to a decrease in the percentage of oil imported by the United States during the 1980s compared to the late 1970s.

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Oil-consuming nations, such as the United States and Japan, experienced adverse economic impacts from the 1980s oil glut.

Answer: False

Explanation: Oil-consuming nations like the United States and Japan generally benefited economically from the 1980s oil glut due to lower energy costs, while oil-producing nations faced adverse impacts.

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The Soviet Union's economy was detrimentally affected by the falling oil prices during the 1980s.

Answer: True

Explanation: As a major oil exporter, the Soviet Union's economy suffered significantly from the decline in global oil prices during the 1980s, contributing to its economic difficulties.

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Mexico's severe economic and debt crisis in 1982 was exacerbated, not eased, by the falling oil prices during the glut.

Answer: True

Explanation: Mexico's economy, heavily reliant on oil revenues, faced a severe crisis in 1982, which was intensified by the falling oil prices associated with the 1980s oil glut.

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Venezuela experienced economic contraction and persistently high inflation rates throughout the 1980s oil glut.

Answer: True

Explanation: Venezuela's economy was significantly impacted by the oil glut, characterized by economic contraction and sustained high inflation rates during the 1980s.

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The 1980s oil glut exerted a significant economic impact on Saudi Arabia, despite its status as a major oil producer.

Answer: True

Explanation: The prolonged period of low oil prices resulting from the 1980s glut substantially decreased Saudi Arabia's revenues and weakened its economic standing.

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Iraq's decision to invade Kuwait in 1990 was partly influenced by its weakened economic condition, stemming from diminished oil revenues during the glut.

Answer: True

Explanation: Iraq's weakened financial state, exacerbated by low oil revenues during the 1980s glut, is considered a contributing factor to its decision to invade Kuwait in 1990.

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The oil glut precipitated an economic recession in Algeria, leading to political instability and a shift away from socialist policies.

Answer: True

Explanation: The oil glut induced an economic recession in Algeria, which in turn led to political liberalization and a move away from socialist economic policies.

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The precipitous decline in global oil prices during the 1980s adversely affected the Soviet Union's economy, contributing to its eventual collapse.

Answer: True

Explanation: The significant reduction in revenues from oil exports, a consequence of falling global oil prices in the 1980s, is considered a contributing factor to the economic instability that led to the Soviet Union's collapse.

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Reduced oil imports contributed to enhanced energy independence for the United States during the 1980s.

Answer: True

Explanation: A decrease in oil imports during the 1980s, resulting from factors like reduced domestic consumption, enhanced energy independence for the United States.

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How did the percentage of oil imported by the United States during the 1980s compare to the late 1970s?

Answer: It decreased, indicating reduced reliance on foreign oil.

Explanation: The percentage of oil imported by the United States decreased during the 1980s compared to the late 1970s, reflecting reduced reliance on foreign sources.

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Which group of nations primarily experienced economic benefits from the sharp decline in oil prices during the 1980s?

Answer: Oil-consuming nations such as the United States, Japan, and European countries.

Explanation: Oil-consuming nations, including major economies like the United States and Japan, largely benefited from the economic stimulus provided by lower energy costs resulting from the oil price decline.

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Which nation experienced severe economic contraction and elevated inflation, partly attributable to the 1980s oil glut?

Answer: Venezuela

Explanation: Venezuela's economy suffered significantly from the oil glut, marked by economic contraction and persistently high inflation rates throughout the 1980s.

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What is the suggested correlation between the 1980s oil glut and the geopolitical events leading to the 1990 Gulf War?

Answer: Iraq's weakened financial state from low oil revenues contributed to its decision to invade Kuwait.

Explanation: Iraq's economic difficulties, exacerbated by low oil revenues during the glut, are considered a contributing factor to its decision to invade Kuwait, which precipitated the Gulf War.

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Which of the following nations was NOT identified as experiencing significant adverse economic impacts from the 1980s oil glut?

Answer: Japan

Explanation: Japan, as a major oil-consuming nation, benefited from the lower oil prices of the 1980s oil glut, unlike oil-producing nations such as the Soviet Union, Mexico, and Venezuela which faced adverse economic impacts.

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The economic challenges confronting the Soviet Union in the 1980s, which contributed to its eventual dissolution, were exacerbated by:

Answer: A significant decline in revenues from oil exports due to the global glut.

Explanation: The Soviet Union's economic difficulties were significantly worsened by the substantial decline in revenues derived from its oil exports, a direct consequence of the global oil glut.

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Venezuela's economy during the 1980s oil glut was predominantly characterized by:

Answer: Economic contraction and persistently high inflation.

Explanation: Venezuela's economy during the 1980s oil glut was primarily marked by economic contraction and sustained high inflation rates.

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How did the protracted period of low oil prices, a consequence of the 1980s glut, impact Saudi Arabia's financial standing?

Answer: It substantially decreased the country's revenues and weakened its economic standing.

Explanation: The prolonged low oil prices resulting from the 1980s glut significantly reduced Saudi Arabia's revenues and consequently weakened its overall economic standing.

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Policy Interventions and Energy Efficiency

President Reagan immediately rescinded Jimmy Carter's policy of oil price controls upon assuming office in 1981.

Answer: False

Explanation: While President Carter initiated the removal of oil price controls, it was President Reagan who finalized and enacted this policy change immediately upon taking office in January 1981.

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Enhancements in energy efficiency, exemplified by increased vehicle fuel economy, contributed significantly to the reduction in oil demand throughout the 1980s.

Answer: True

Explanation: Improvements in energy efficiency, such as higher average fuel economy for vehicles, directly reduced overall oil consumption and contributed to the demand decrease in the 1980s.

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In the United States, the oil glut resulted in a dramatic decrease, not increase, in domestic exploration and drilling activities.

Answer: True

Explanation: The low oil prices during the glut led to reduced profitability, causing a significant decline in domestic exploration and drilling activities within the United States.

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Canada's National Energy Program (NEP), active from 1980 to 1985, aimed to increase Canada's energy self-sufficiency, not reliance on imported energy.

Answer: True

Explanation: The primary objective of Canada's National Energy Program (NEP) was to enhance domestic energy self-sufficiency and control, rather than increase reliance on imported energy.

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The high oil prices preceding the 1980s glut made alternative energy sources more, not less, economically competitive.

Answer: True

Explanation: Elevated oil prices in the 1970s made alternative energy sources, such as coal, nuclear power, and natural gas, more economically attractive and competitive.

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The removal of oil price controls in the United States was not fully completed during the Carter administration; it was finalized by President Reagan in 1981.

Answer: True

Explanation: While President Carter initiated the deregulation process, the complete removal of oil price controls in the United States was enacted by President Reagan in January 1981.

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The average fuel economy for new US passenger cars increased, not decreased, between 1975 and 1982.

Answer: True

Explanation: The average fuel economy for new U.S. passenger cars saw a significant increase between 1975 and 1982, reflecting advancements in efficiency driven by energy concerns.

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The number of US petroleum producers decreased significantly during the oil glut.

Answer: True

Explanation: The economic pressures of the oil glut led to a significant reduction in the number of U.S. petroleum producers, alongside decreased exploration and drilling activities.

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The high oil prices of the 1970s made alternative energy sources more attractive to consumers and industries.

Answer: True

Explanation: The elevated oil prices of the 1970s significantly enhanced the economic competitiveness and attractiveness of alternative energy sources, spurring their adoption.

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What significant policy modification concerning oil occurred in the United States during the early 1980s?

Answer: The removal of price controls, allowing the free market to determine oil prices.

Explanation: A significant policy change in the early 1980s was the removal of federal oil price controls in the United States, allowing market forces to dictate prices.

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What was a direct consequence of enhanced energy efficiency in the United States during the early 1980s?

Answer: A significant reduction in the nation's overall oil consumption.

Explanation: Improved energy efficiency, particularly in vehicles, led directly to a substantial reduction in the United States' overall oil consumption during the early 1980s.

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What was the impact of the 1980s oil glut on the domestic oil industry within the United States?

Answer: It caused a sharp reduction in exploration, drilling activities, and the number of producers.

Explanation: The oil glut led to reduced profitability, causing a sharp decline in exploration, drilling activities, and the number of U.S. petroleum producers.

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Which alternative energy sources gained greater economic competitiveness due to the high oil prices of the 1970s, preceding the 1980s glut?

Answer: Coal, nuclear power, and natural gas

Explanation: The high oil prices of the 1970s made alternative energy sources like coal, nuclear power, and natural gas more economically competitive, leading to increased utilization.

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What was the direct consequence of the significant increase in average fuel economy for U.S. passenger cars between 1975 and 1982?

Answer: A significant reduction in the nation's overall oil consumption.

Explanation: The substantial improvement in average fuel economy for U.S. passenger cars directly resulted in a significant reduction in the nation's overall oil consumption.

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Canada's National Energy Program (NEP), active until 1985, was primarily intended to achieve which objective?

Answer: Increasing Canadian control and self-sufficiency in the energy sector.

Explanation: The primary objective of Canada's National Energy Program (NEP) was to enhance Canadian control over its energy sector and promote self-sufficiency.

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