Drilling Deep: John D. Rockefeller's Rise, Tactics & Enduring Legacy (Reading Comp & Engaging Discussion Guide)

Unleash a debate about America's oil baron! This captivating reading comprehension worksheet dives into the life and legacy of John D. Rockefeller. Students will explore his meteoric rise in the oil industry, his controversial tactics to build Standard Oil, and the ongoing debate surrounding his influence. Was he a visionary leader or a ruthless monopolist?

What's Included:

• A student-friendly reading passage packed with information:
  • Rockefeller's journey from rural roots to oil tycoon.
  • His strategies for building Standard Oil, including vertical and horizontal integration.
  • The public backlash and legal challenges to Standard Oil's dominance.
  • Rockefeller's complex legacy as a businessman and philanthropist.
• A thought-provoking primary source excerpt from muckraking journalist Ida Tarbell.
• Engaging multiple-choice, matching, fill-in-the-blank, and short answer questions that promote critical thinking, historical analysis, and reading comprehension.
• A detailed answer key for easy grading.

Learning Objectives:

• Students will analyze how business leaders can influence historical events (e.g., Rockefeller and the oil industry).
• Students will evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of monopolies.
• Students will understand the role of government regulation in preventing monopolies.
• Students will develop critical thinking skills by analyzing primary sources and considering multiple perspectives on a historical figure.
• Students will engage in historical debate by evaluating John D. Rockefeller's legacy.

Common Core Standards Addressed:

• RI.5.1 - Quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.
• RI.5.2 - Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, providing an objective summary of the text.
• RI.5.6 - Analyze multiple accounts of the same event or topic, noting important similarities and differences in the point of view they present.
• SS.5.7 - Explain the impact of technological innovations and business leaders on the development of the United States in the 19th century.

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