Standard Oil Breakup: Regulate or Dissolve (1911)
by Anonymous
The Supreme Court ruled Standard Oil was an illegal monopoly. The choice was between heavy regulation (keeping it whole but controlled) or dissolution into competing companies. The breakup created the modern oil industry.
Dissolve into 34 Companies
1911
year
Break up monopoly into competitors
approach
Created ExxonMobil, Chevron, BP (Amoco), etc.
market effect
Chosen — defined antitrust law for a century
outcome
Regulate as Utility
1911
year
Keep whole but control prices and practices
approach
Government-supervised monopoly
market effect
Not chosen — trust-busting era favored breakup
outcome
Like this comparison? Make it your own.
Sign up to use as templateMore in History
Zheng He vs Columbus: Scale of Exploration (1405 vs 1492)
Zheng He's Treasure Fleet (China) vs Columbus's Expedition (Spain)
Darwin: Publish Now or Wait (1858)
Publish Immediately (Joint Presentation) vs Continue Waiting
Spartacus: March on Rome or Escape Over Alps (73 BCE)
Stay in Italy and Fight vs Escape Over the Alps
Wright Brothers: Wing Warping vs Ailerons (1903)
Wing Warping vs Ailerons (Hinged Surfaces)
Nuremberg Trials: Prosecute or Amnesty (1945)
International Criminal Trials vs Summary Execution (Morgenthau's Preference) vs General Amnesty
Great Wall: Build or Negotiate with Nomads (3rd Century BCE - 17th Century)
Build the Great Wall vs Heqin (Marriage Alliance and Tribute)