Lecture 22: Whale Oil, Petroleum, Political Power

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts discussed in the lecture on whale oil, petroleum, and political power, essential for understanding the evolution and impact of the oil industry.

Whale Oil

A type of oil obtained from whales, used in lamps and other products before the rise of petroleum.

Petroleum

A natural occurring liquid found beneath the earth's surface, commonly refined into fuel and other products.

Oil Shale

A rock that contains a mixture of substances from which oil can be produced through retorting.

Kerogen

A precursor to oil and natural gas, derived from the thermal maturation of organic materials.

Edwin Drake

An American oil driller credited with successfully drilling the first commercial oil well in Pennsylvania in 1859.

Standard Oil

An American oil producing, transporting, refining, and marketing company founded by John D. Rockefeller in 1870.

ExxonMobil

One of the largest oil and gas companies in the world, formed from the merger of Exxon and Mobil in 1999.

Fascism

A far-right authoritarian political ideology characterized by dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition, and strong regimentation of society.

Exxon Valdez Spill

An oil spill that occurred in 1989 when the Exxon Valdez oil tanker ran aground off the coast of Alaska, causing extensive environmental damage.

Achnacarry Agreement

A 1928 agreement among major oil companies aimed at regulating production and stabilizing prices of crude oil.