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John D. Rockefeller Sr. was born in Cleveland, Ohio.
Answer: False
Explanation: John D. Rockefeller Sr. was born in Richford, New York, not Cleveland, Ohio.
Rockefeller's father, William A. Rockefeller Sr., was a respected clergyman known for his stable family life.
Answer: False
Explanation: Contrary to being a respected clergyman with a stable family life, Rockefeller's father, William A. Rockefeller Sr., was known for his unconventional morality and nomadic existence, earning him nicknames like 'Big Bill' or 'Devil Bill'.
Rockefeller's mother, Eliza Davison, instilled in him values of extravagance and risk-taking.
Answer: False
Explanation: Rockefeller's mother, Eliza Davison, instilled values of thrift and hard work in him, rather than extravagance and risk-taking.
Rockefeller learned sharp business practices from his father, who admitted to 'cheat[ing] my boys every chance I get.'
Answer: True
Explanation: John D. Rockefeller Sr. learned sharp business practices from his father, William A. Rockefeller Sr., who openly admitted to teaching his sons by 'cheat[ing] my boys every chance I get' to foster shrewdness.
As a youth, Rockefeller's primary ambition was to become a renowned artist.
Answer: False
Explanation: As a youth, Rockefeller's primary ambitions were to accumulate significant wealth, specifically $100,000, and to live to be 100 years old, not to become an artist.
Rockefeller's mother, Eliza Davison, was of German descent.
Answer: False
Explanation: According to the source material, Rockefeller's mother, Eliza Davison, was of Ulster Scot descent, not German.
Where was John D. Rockefeller Sr. born?
Answer: Richford, New York
Explanation: John D. Rockefeller Sr. was born on July 8, 1839, in Richford, New York.
What was the reputation of John D. Rockefeller Sr.'s father, William A. Rockefeller Sr.?
Answer: He was locally known as 'Big Bill' or 'Devil Bill' due to unconventional morality.
Explanation: John D. Rockefeller Sr.'s father, William A. Rockefeller Sr., was known locally as 'Big Bill' or 'Devil Bill' owing to his unconventional morality and nomadic lifestyle, contrasting with the piety often associated with clergymen.
Which value did Rockefeller's mother, Eliza Davison, emphasize most strongly in his upbringing?
Answer: Frugality and hard work
Explanation: Rockefeller's mother, Eliza Davison, a devout Baptist, strongly emphasized values of thrift and diligent work in his upbringing, teaching him the importance of saving and earning.
Rockefeller's mother, Eliza Davison, was of what descent?
Answer: Ulster Scot
Explanation: The provided information indicates that Eliza Davison, John D. Rockefeller Sr.'s mother, was of Ulster Scot descent.
Rockefeller's first job was as a clerk in a railroad company, earning $50 per month.
Answer: False
Explanation: Rockefeller's first job was as an assistant bookkeeper at Hewitt & Tuttle, earning an initial salary of $16 per month, not as a railroad clerk earning $50.
Rockefeller entered his first business partnership in the shipping industry in 1859.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 1859, Rockefeller entered his first business partnership in the produce commission industry, not the shipping industry.
The American Civil War negatively impacted Clark & Rockefeller's business due to decreased demand for supplies.
Answer: False
Explanation: The American Civil War positively impacted Clark & Rockefeller's business, significantly boosting profits due to increased demand for food and supplies.
Rockefeller avoided military service during the Civil War by hiring a substitute.
Answer: False
Explanation: Rockefeller did not hire a substitute to avoid military service during the Civil War; he remained to manage his burgeoning business, stating it was 'out of the question' for him to leave.
As the Civil War ended, Clark & Rockefeller shifted their business focus to textile manufacturing.
Answer: False
Explanation: As the Civil War drew to a close, Clark & Rockefeller shifted their business focus from produce commission to the refining of crude oil.
What was Rockefeller's first job and initial monthly salary?
Answer: Assistant bookkeeper at Hewitt & Tuttle; $16 per month
Explanation: Rockefeller's initial employment was as an assistant bookkeeper at Hewitt & Tuttle, a produce commission firm, where he earned $16 per month during his apprenticeship.
In what industry did Rockefeller enter his first business partnership in 1859?
Answer: Produce commission
Explanation: In 1859, John D. Rockefeller Sr. entered into his first business partnership in the produce commission industry, forming Clark, Gardner & Company.
How did the American Civil War affect Rockefeller's business interests?
Answer: It significantly boosted profits due to increased demand for supplies.
Explanation: The American Civil War proved highly profitable for Rockefeller's business, as the Union Army's demand for food and supplies led to a significant increase in profits.
Rockefeller's refineries were less efficient than competitors because they dumped valuable by-products into rivers.
Answer: False
Explanation: Rockefeller's refineries were notably more efficient than competitors precisely because they utilized valuable by-products that others discarded, rather than dumping them into rivers.
In February 1865, Rockefeller bought out his partners, establishing the firm of Rockefeller & Andrews.
Answer: True
Explanation: In February 1865, Rockefeller purchased the interests of his partners in Clark & Rockefeller, thereby establishing the firm of Rockefeller & Andrews.
Standard Oil of Ohio was founded solely by John D. Rockefeller in 1870.
Answer: False
Explanation: Standard Oil of Ohio was co-founded in 1870 by John D. Rockefeller along with several partners, including William Rockefeller Jr., Samuel Andrews, Henry Flagler, and Stephen V. Harkness.
Standard Oil primarily used vertical integration, acquiring companies at different stages of production, to gain dominance.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Standard Oil did employ vertical integration by controlling pipelines and delivery networks, its primary strategy for gaining dominance was horizontal integration, which involved acquiring competitors and improving operational efficiency.
The 'South Improvement Company' was a plan by independent oil producers to control railroad rates.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'South Improvement Company' was a plan orchestrated by railroads, in collaboration with Standard Oil, to control railroad rates and benefit large shippers, rather than a plan by independent producers.
Standard Oil's efficiency measures led to kerosene becoming less affordable for the general population.
Answer: False
Explanation: Standard Oil's efficiency measures and cost-cutting strategies made kerosene more affordable and accessible to the general population, rather than less so.
'The Cleveland Conquest' refers to Standard Oil absorbing nearly all its Cleveland competitors within months.
Answer: True
Explanation: 'The Cleveland Conquest,' also known as 'The Cleveland Massacre,' refers to Standard Oil's rapid acquisition of nearly all its competitors in Cleveland within a span of four months in 1872.
The Standard Oil Trust was created in 1882 to manage the numerous separate corporations operating across different states.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Standard Oil Trust was established in 1882 as an innovative structure to centralize the management of the numerous separate corporations operating under Rockefeller's control across various states.
Economic historian Robert Whaples attributed Rockefeller's success primarily to aggressive marketing and advertising.
Answer: False
Explanation: Economic historian Robert Whaples attributed Rockefeller's success primarily to relentless cost-cutting, efficiency improvements, and effective talent management, rather than aggressive marketing and advertising.
Rockefeller's rivalry with Andrew Carnegie was mainly in the steel industry.
Answer: False
Explanation: Rockefeller's significant rivalry with Andrew Carnegie in the 1890s was primarily centered on the iron ore and ore transportation sectors, not the steel industry.
Rockefeller's business practices included underselling competitors and securing secret transportation rebates.
Answer: True
Explanation: Key business practices employed by Rockefeller and Standard Oil included underselling competitors to drive them out of business and securing secret transportation rebates from railroads, which provided significant competitive advantages.
As the demand for kerosene declined due to the light bulb, Standard Oil adapted by focusing solely on coal production.
Answer: False
Explanation: As the demand for kerosene decreased with the advent of the light bulb, Standard Oil adapted by expanding into other areas, including developing European markets, producing natural gas, and crucially, refining gasoline for the burgeoning automobile industry, rather than focusing solely on coal production.
What business did Clark & Rockefeller transition into as the Civil War neared its end?
Answer: Oil refining
Explanation: As the Civil War drew to a close, Clark & Rockefeller strategically shifted their business focus from produce commission to the burgeoning industry of oil refining.
What was a key factor in Rockefeller's refineries' increased efficiency and profitability compared to competitors?
Answer: They utilized by-products that other refineries discarded.
Explanation: A critical factor in the enhanced efficiency and profitability of Rockefeller's refineries was their practice of utilizing valuable by-products, such as gasoline, which other refineries often discarded.
What critical action did Rockefeller take in February 1865 that was described as determining his future?
Answer: He bought out his partners in Clark & Rockefeller.
Explanation: In February 1865, Rockefeller purchased the interests of his partners in Clark & Rockefeller, establishing the firm of Rockefeller & Andrews, a move considered pivotal for his future career.
Which of the following was NOT a co-founder of Standard Oil of Ohio?
Answer: Andrew Carnegie
Explanation: Andrew Carnegie was not a co-founder of Standard Oil of Ohio; the company was co-founded by John D. Rockefeller, William Rockefeller Jr., Samuel Andrews, Henry Flagler, and Stephen V. Harkness.
What strategy did Standard Oil primarily employ to gain dominance in the oil industry?
Answer: Acquiring competitors and improving efficiency (horizontal integration).
Explanation: Standard Oil primarily employed horizontal integration, which involved acquiring competitors and enhancing operational efficiency, alongside vertical integration to control its supply chain and distribution.
The 'South Improvement Company' plan was ultimately unsuccessful primarily because:
Answer: Independent oil producers protested vehemently against it.
Explanation: The 'South Improvement Company' plan, designed to control freight rates through preferential treatment for Standard Oil, failed due to strong protests and opposition from independent oil producers.
How did Standard Oil's practices impact the availability and cost of kerosene?
Answer: Kerosene became commonly available and affordable to the working and middle classes.
Explanation: Through its efficient operations and cost-saving measures, Standard Oil made kerosene more affordable and accessible to the general population, transforming it from a costly commodity to a common household necessity.
What period is referred to as 'The Cleveland Conquest' or 'The Cleveland Massacre'?
Answer: The rapid absorption of 22 Cleveland competitors by Standard Oil in 1872.
Explanation: 'The Cleveland Conquest,' also known as 'The Cleveland Massacre,' refers to Standard Oil's rapid acquisition of nearly all its competitors in Cleveland within a span of four months in 1872.
Why did Rockefeller manage his companies through numerous separate state corporations before the Standard Oil Trust?
Answer: Because state laws made it difficult to operate across state lines.
Explanation: Before the formation of the Standard Oil Trust, Rockefeller managed his vast enterprises through numerous separate state corporations primarily because state laws presented challenges for operating seamlessly across different state jurisdictions.
What was the structure of the Standard Oil Trust created in 1882?
Answer: A corporation of corporations managed by nine trustees.
Explanation: The Standard Oil Trust, established in 1882, was structured as a 'corporation of corporations,' where a board of nine trustees, including Rockefeller, managed the collective interests of the numerous constituent companies.
What was the nature of the competition between Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie in the 1890s?
Answer: They competed in the iron ore and ore transportation sectors.
Explanation: In the 1890s, John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie engaged in significant competition, primarily within the iron ore and ore transportation industries.
How did Rockefeller's business adapt to the declining demand for kerosene caused by the invention of the light bulb?
Answer: Both B and C.
Explanation: In response to the declining demand for kerosene due to the widespread adoption of the light bulb, Standard Oil adapted by expanding its kerosene markets in Europe and by developing the production of gasoline, a previously discarded by-product, for the nascent automobile industry.
According to economic historian Robert Whaples, Rockefeller's business success was primarily due to:
Answer: Relentless cost-cutting, efficiency improvements, and talent management.
Explanation: Economic historian Robert Whaples attributed Rockefeller's success primarily to relentless cost-cutting, efficiency improvements, and effective talent management, rather than aggressive marketing and advertising.
Ida Tarbell's writings praised Standard Oil's business practices and contributed to its positive public image.
Answer: False
Explanation: Ida Tarbell's influential writings, particularly 'The History of the Standard Oil Company,' critically examined and exposed Standard Oil's aggressive business practices, contributing to a negative public image and fueling the antitrust movement.
The Supreme Court breakup of Standard Oil in 1911 resulted in 34 separate companies.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Supreme Court's landmark decision in 1911 ordered the dissolution of the Standard Oil Trust, resulting in its division into 34 distinct and independent companies.
Following the 1911 breakup, Rockefeller's personal wealth decreased significantly due to the loss of control.
Answer: False
Explanation: Contrary to decreasing, Rockefeller's personal wealth actually increased significantly following the 1911 breakup of Standard Oil, as the value of the newly independent companies appreciated substantially.
Rockefeller's legacy is viewed solely as a ruthless 'robber baron' by most historians.
Answer: False
Explanation: Historians present a more complex view of Rockefeller's legacy, acknowledging both his controversial business practices as a 'robber baron' and his significant contributions as a philanthropist. Many note his contradictory nature, with both admirable and ruthless qualities.
Ida Tarbell's influential work, 'The History of the Standard Oil Company,' primarily served to:
Answer: Document the company's aggressive tactics and contribute to public backlash.
Explanation: Ida Tarbell's seminal work, 'The History of the Standard Oil Company,' meticulously documented the company's aggressive business practices and contributed significantly to public criticism and the subsequent antitrust movement against Standard Oil.
What was the primary outcome of the 1911 Supreme Court ruling regarding Standard Oil?
Answer: The company was ordered to be broken up into 34 separate entities.
Explanation: The Supreme Court's landmark decision in 1911 ordered the dissolution of the Standard Oil Trust, resulting in its division into 34 distinct and independent companies.
What criticism did Standard Oil face regarding its business practices?
Answer: Monopolistic methods like underselling and secret rebates.
Explanation: Standard Oil faced substantial criticism for employing monopolistic business practices, including underselling competitors and securing secret transportation rebates from railroads.
Rockefeller viewed money-making as a divine gift and read the Bible daily.
Answer: True
Explanation: Rockefeller held a deep religious conviction, viewing his financial success as divinely ordained and maintaining a daily practice of reading the Bible, which significantly influenced his life and philanthropic endeavors.
Rockefeller's philosophy on giving was based on the principle of keeping as much wealth as possible for personal use.
Answer: False
Explanation: Rockefeller's philosophy on giving was rooted in the principle of 'making as much money as possible and then giving away as much as possible,' often citing biblical passages to support his charitable actions.
Rockefeller began his philanthropic efforts late in life, primarily focusing on arts and culture.
Answer: False
Explanation: Rockefeller began his philanthropic efforts early in his career, starting with small donations from his first job, and his focus expanded significantly over time, encompassing education, medicine, and public health, not solely arts and culture.
Rockefeller founded the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research and the General Education Board.
Answer: True
Explanation: Indeed, John D. Rockefeller Sr. founded both the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research (now Rockefeller University) and the General Education Board, major institutions that significantly advanced medical science and education.
Rockefeller's philanthropy significantly contributed to the eradication of hookworm disease in the American South.
Answer: True
Explanation: Through the Rockefeller Sanitary Commission, his philanthropic efforts were instrumental in combating and eradicating hookworm disease, which had been a widespread health issue in the Southern United States.
Rockefeller pioneered the concept of the conditional grant in philanthropy, requiring public support for institutions.
Answer: True
Explanation: Rockefeller and his advisors were pioneers in developing the philanthropic model of the conditional grant, which stipulated that institutional funding was contingent upon securing broad public support and contributions from many individuals.
Rockefeller's donation of $80 million significantly transformed the University of Chicago into a world-class institution.
Answer: True
Explanation: Rockefeller's substantial donations, totaling $80 million, were pivotal in elevating the University of Chicago from a modest college to a globally recognized institution.
The Rockefeller Foundation was established primarily to fund artistic endeavors and theater productions.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Rockefeller Foundation was established with a primary focus on advancing public health, medical training, and the arts, rather than exclusively funding artistic endeavors and theater productions.
What biblical principle influenced Rockefeller's philosophy on giving?
Answer: 'Give, and it will be given to you.' (Luke 6:38)
Explanation: Rockefeller's philanthropic philosophy was significantly influenced by biblical teachings, particularly the principle articulated in Luke 6:38: 'Give, and it will be given to you,' which he saw as a directive for charitable action.
Which of the following institutions was founded by John D. Rockefeller?
Answer: The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research
Explanation: Among the institutions founded by John D. Rockefeller Sr. was the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research, established in 1901 to advance scientific understanding and medical treatment.
What major public health achievement is attributed to the Rockefeller Sanitary Commission?
Answer: The eradication of hookworm disease in the American South.
Explanation: The Rockefeller Sanitary Commission is credited with a significant public health achievement: the successful eradication of hookworm disease in the rural American South.
How did Rockefeller's philanthropy support education for African Americans?
Answer: By providing significant funding to institutions like Spelman College for African-American women.
Explanation: Rockefeller's philanthropic efforts included substantial financial support for institutions serving African Americans, most notably Spelman College, an institution dedicated to the education of Black women.
What was the Rockefeller Foundation's primary focus?
Answer: Advancing public health, medical training, and the arts.
Explanation: The Rockefeller Foundation was established with a broad mandate to advance public health, support medical training, and contribute to the arts, reflecting Rockefeller's multifaceted philanthropic vision.
Rockefeller's wealth at his death was estimated to be around $200 million.
Answer: False
Explanation: Estimates place Rockefeller's personal wealth at his death in 1937 at approximately $1.4 billion, a figure significantly higher than $200 million, which was closer to his wealth in the early 1900s.
In his later years, Rockefeller was known for giving dimes to children and nickels to adults.
Answer: False
Explanation: In his later years, Rockefeller was famously known for giving dimes to adults and nickels to children, a distinctive habit he maintained in public interactions.
Rockefeller supported the repeal of Prohibition throughout his life.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Rockefeller initially supported Prohibition and abstained from alcohol, by 1932, he expressed disillusionment with its ineffectiveness and subsequently supported its repeal.
Rockefeller experienced significant hair loss in his later life due to alopecia.
Answer: True
Explanation: In his later years, Rockefeller experienced hair loss due to alopecia, which began in his 50s and resulted in the disappearance of his hair and mustache.
John D. Rockefeller Sr. died in New York City in 1937.
Answer: False
Explanation: John D. Rockefeller Sr. died in Ormond Beach, Florida, in 1937, not in New York City.
What was Rockefeller's personal wealth estimated to be at the time of his death?
Answer: $1.4 billion
Explanation: At the time of his death in 1937, John D. Rockefeller Sr.'s personal wealth was estimated to be approximately $1.4 billion.
What distinctive habit did Rockefeller develop in his later life regarding interactions with people?
Answer: He gave dimes to adults and nickels to children.
Explanation: In his later years, Rockefeller became known for a distinctive habit of giving dimes to adults and nickels to children he encountered.
What was Rockefeller's initial stance on alcohol prohibition?
Answer: He supported it and abstained from alcohol himself.
Explanation: Rockefeller initially supported the Prohibition movement and personally abstained from alcohol, contributing to organizations that advocated for its passage.