Gabrielle Northrop, Peyton Keller, Corey Edwards
Research Paper
Goodwin, G2
Oil & Coal Foundation During 20th Century to Now
The main source of power for the United States during the 20th century was
the combination of oil and coal. The oil industry gained momentum in 1901 when
the Spindletop geyser presented a potential in the field. Immediately following this,
approximately 1,500 oil companies arose, creating the dominance of oil and the
influence on American life in the 20th century, including a fundamental positive
impact on the economy. Coal was used (mined) primarily for electricity generation,
and was also primary energy for transportation and industry until the 1950’s.
One of the leading oil companies in the United States from the 20th century
even to current day is the foundation of Standard Oil Company by the Rockefellers.
In 1900, much focus was on the west coast for oil industry, where the Standard Oil
Company purchased the Pacific Coast Oil Company, and eventually all operations
were moved to the west. Oil in the 1900’s was used for the creation of petroleum,
fuel including diesel, explosives, fertilizers and repellents, glue, packaging, and
more. Oil has been utilized throughout the course of the 20th century, being used in
every day life since the 1900’s.
The use of coal includes the mining of coal - which is complete with risks.
Mining in the 20th century posed problems with health and protection, including
inhaling toxins, explosions, falling, getting crushed by falling mines. Though these
issues were at hand, coal possesses important uses: coal helps produce electricity
generation, steel production, cement manufacturing, and is used as liquid fuel.
Similar to oil, coal has a major and common impact on life.
Though these two energy sources are easily obtainable and easily used, they
pose a problem of pollution. Only recently have people established new ways to
reduce the amount of greenhouse gases, which oil and coal include in their output.
The main greenhouse gases that pose a threat are methane, carbon dioxide, and
nitrous oxide. The effect oil and coal had on efficiency for humans were positive, but
the effect on the environment was negative, leading scientists to search for
alternative energy sources.
Works Cited
http://www.ems.psu.edu/~pisupati/ACSOutreach/Natural_Gas.html
http://www.fossil.energy.gov/education/energylessons/coal/coal_history.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_home_front_during_World_War_I
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economic_history_of_World_War_I
http://www.history.com/topics/oil-industry
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_coal_mining
http://foreffectivegov.org/oil-and-gas-production-major-source-of-greenhousegas-emissions-epa-data-reveals