Free Essay

Oil Research Paper

In: English and Literature

Submitted By ggilbert307
Words 650
Pages 3
Black Gold

HST 370.05
Prof. Hoikkala
October 19, 2015

In Oil! by Upton Sinclair, published by Penguin Books, Sinclair writes to expose the corrupt oil industry in California through the education of both readers and main character, Bunny Ross, on the proceedings for success in the oil business, including bribery and propaganda. Through the start of the book, the reader learns that the main characters father is a rising business man on the verge of becoming a magnate, although only through bribery of politicians and land proctors. Unfortunately Bunny sees both from a upper class and a lower class frame of reference and does not wish to abuse his power and take advantage of the lower class, yet still become a rich individual such as his father. This battle between the classes is seen with Bunny’s fight in favor of workers unions and against religion, using propaganda to aide him.
I chose to write on this novel because I was familiar with Sinclair’s work in The Jungle, and after researching more about this book and his inclusion into the real-time history of California and how big of an impact Sinclair caused, I couldn’t choose another book to interest me as much as Sinclair engages his readers. The idea of capitalism and the processes in its execution always grab my attention due to their need for wealth and lack of inclusion from outside aide in order to better increase their wealth. Sinclair is also excellent in his ability to give a rich character development, leaving little to curiosity about what the character may have gone through in the past or what he or she might be thinking, which is one of my favorite styles of writing.
Upton Sinclair had an incredible impact on the development of California and the United States as a whole with the socialist agenda that he carried with him. Being the political activist that he was, when moving to California in 1915 began campaigning against corrupt oil companies leasing land to drill illegally during the Teapot Dome Scandal by writing Oil!(1927). After attempting to obtain a seat in the California House of Representatives in 1920, he founded the Southern California branch of the American Civil Liberties Union in 1923. Sinclair ran for governor of California three times, in 1926, 30, and 34, his campaign was known as the End Poverty in California (EPIC) plan. This plan would have taken over unused land that had previously been profit focused and switched to state controlled “for use” activity that would reduce the number of unemployed Californians as well as give pension to the elderly.Although due to his views, Sinclair spoke out against President Roosevelt and inevitably turned his voters against him, costing him the election.

Bibliography
"California Writer." : Upton Sinclair’s Oil!: A High Octane California Novel! May 27, 2005. Accessed October 19, 2015. http://californiawriter.blogspot.com/2005/05/upton-sinclairs-oil-high-octane.html.

""The IWW History Project."" Mapping American Social Movements Through the 20th Century. 2013. Accessed October 19, 2015. http://depts.washington.edu/epic34/.

"The Jungle." Upton Sinclair Biography. 2015. Accessed October 19, 2015. http://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/j/the-jungle/upton-sinclair-biography.

"Upton Sinclair." History. 2015. Accessed October 19, 2015. http://www.ssa.gov/history/sinclair.html.

--------------------------------------------
[ 1 ]. "California Writer." : Upton Sinclair’s Oil!: A High Octane California Novel! May 27, 2005. Accessed October 19, 2015. http://californiawriter.blogspot.com/2005/05/upton-sinclairs-oil-high-octane.html.
[ 2 ]. Ibid
[ 3 ]. Ibid
[ 4 ]. Ibid
[ 5 ]. "The Jungle." Upton Sinclair Biography. 2015. Accessed October 19, 2015. http://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/j/the-jungle/upton-sinclair-biography.
[ 6 ]. Ibid
[ 7 ]. Ibid
[ 8 ]. ""The IWW History Project."" Mapping American Social Movements Through the 20th Century. 2013. Accessed October 19, 2015. http://depts.washington.edu/epic34/.
[ 9 ]. "Upton Sinclair." History. 2015. Accessed October 19, 2015. http://www.ssa.gov/history/sinclair.html.

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Beard Oil Research Paper

...Affordable Facial Hair Oil Available in Cosmetic Store Many beard lovers are looking for an affordable dream beard oil to groom their beard. Like hair care, the beard does require many branded cosmetic products to maintain them properly. In the present world keeping, any type of beard dose not implicates a person to be religious or belong to a region. Now a day it is a fashion to try all patterns of beard followed across the world. The methods and cosmetics required are available in online cosmetic store to select from the best. The demand for beard oil is also more and there are many varieties available for sale. Looking for Hand Made Beard Oils Go natural is what many people wish when comes to facial hair care. The dream beard oil is an...

Words: 501 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Lorenzo's Oil Research Paper

...Lorenzo’s Oil Essay Lorenzo’s oil about a boy who is suffering from ALD and his parents are trying to find a cure for ALD until they found a cure after two years of his diagnosis which is called Lorenzo’s oil .After watching Lorenzo’s oil, the Odone family’s courage and inspire me to do more research about other rare diseases and found actual cures. I would like to research more about some rare diseases to make sure we do not make a big mistake like the ALD foundation from the movie because, the saturated and unsaturated fats are raising a lot due to the diet the family have to use. The Odone family were able to do the research to keep Lorenzo’s fatty acid chain to be normal. Michaela should not feel guilty that it was her genes that contained the defect that caused Lorenzo to have ALD. Everyone needs a person to help them out at certain times. Just in case if the treatments do not work or if people are being jerks to you if the treatment is not working properly, just do some research even though it takes a long time and it always be worth it. ALD is a...

Words: 701 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Fish Oil Research Paper

...by USA scientists suggest fresh fish oil may prevent children of overweight pregnant women from later developing diabetes. Children of overweight women have nearly twice the risk of developing problems like diabetes later in life, and at least three in 10 pregnant women in USA are overweight. Up to one in five British women currently take fish oil supplements during pregnancy, according to the latest estimate. But it is not known if supplements sold here contain fresh fish oil, as it's not stated on the label, or oil that has gone off by becoming oxidized. But this didn't mean pregnant women should be taking fish oil - yet. The same benefit has not yet been shown in humans, and our earlier study shows Americans cannot be sure...

Words: 575 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Oil Pipeline Research Paper

...US government is building an oil pipeline in North Dakota that will transport crude oil from North Dakota all the way to Illinois. The construction is causing controversy with a Native American tribe. The pipeline will have many benefits for the US but also has disadvantages. The oil pipeline will have multiple advantages. According to the text, 570,000 barrels of crude oil will be transported everyday. This will decrease American's dependency on foreign oil imports. Also the pipeline will create 12,000 jobs while under construction. The pipe will allow oil to reach major refining markets in a,"...more direct, cost-effective, safer, and responsible manner." Lastly the pipeline will reduce the use of rail and truck transportation of crude oil. Although there is multiple benefits to the pipeline, there is a lot of opposition and controversy from local land owners and Native Americans. Also it is not uncommon for an oil pipeline to have issues. The text says," It's not a...

Words: 447 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Offshore Oil Drilling Research Paper

...In this research paper, I will be talking about offshore oil drilling and how this will affect Florida. I will give you a little history about this subject and what lead up to the conflict between the people and the politicians. First, we will start out with a little history, we know that offshore oil drilling was only allowed in certain coastal areas. On March 30, 2010, the New Times reported that Obama decided to open offshore drilling to Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico and the Alaska coastline for oil and natural gas. The area that was proposed was a compromise between the oil corporations and national drilling activists. The only problem with this is many residents that this effected would be upset along with environmental groups. Plus, it will...

Words: 1491 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Oil In The Middle East Research Paper

...Oil is the most widely used source of power in the entire world. Whether it be for powering cities to cars, oil is most likely used in some sort of way. According to CNN, 47.7% of the world's known oil reserves are in the Middle East. Having all that Oil in the Middle East poses a spectacular business opportunity for the Middle Eastern countries. The countries are already using the oil for business because almost all the countries revenue is more than half from oil. The oil has already been put to good use because it is being used for things like education, and healthcare, which has put a positive impact on the Middle East. Although, a challenger could say that oil has impacted the Middle East negatively because it has started wars, but, in...

Words: 722 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Oil In The 1900's Research Paper

...The discovery of oil in the 1900’s has impacted more than you would realize. It has affected education, divorce rates, how much a person can make, and simple things such as a town's football team. Oil has made college education available for everyone. When oil was first discovered it caused more and more people to invest in trying to find oil. After a short time there were 17 major oil wells in Big Lake Field. This lead to the University of Texas to become very wealthy. As the school became more wealthy, it made education available for people that weren't very wealthy. In 1931 the oil money was split between the University of Texas and Texas A&M University. Two thirds of the money went to the University of Texas and the other third to Texas A&M. in 2008 the oil fields produced $4.4 billion for the two universities....

Words: 463 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Gulf Of Mexico Oil Spill Research Paper

...Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill Seven years ago, 2010. The BP oil well deep in the Gulf of Mexico exploded at the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig and left 11 workers dead. The explosion set off the worst offshore oil spill near the Mississippi River Delta and the coasts of Louisiana state. Because of the oil leaking many marine species such as fishes, dolphins, and plants died. Oil spill was noticed on the 4/22/2010, when the BP found a large oil spots began to spread around the Deepwater Horizon. However, the Flow Rate Technical Group estimated the initial flow rate was 5,000 barrels per day, making it the world’s largest accidental spill. (Deepwater Horizon oil spill). The BP company had many attempts to stop the flow of oil. First, they tried to...

Words: 345 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil Research Paper

...The aroma of sea buckthorn oil is reminiscent of wet wood and just a little herbal. This oil is rarely used for its aroma, but it has many therapeutic benefits. Sea buckthorn seed oil is a very unusual essential oil in that it is almost always taken internally. This oil offers phenomenal benefits as a dietary supplement for enhancing the immune system; supporting cardiovascular, brain, and liver health; and for fighting many diseases. Sea buckthorn seed oil is rich in vitamin E and omega-3, which are only found in minute traces in the sea buckthorn berry oil. On the other hand, sea buckthorn berry oil has many topical uses and is rarely used internally. The best way to use both types of sea buckthorn oil is to find sea buckthorn whole berry and seed oil, or to mix the two in a 1-to-1 blend for your own use. This way, the oil can be used both topically and internally....

Words: 1033 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Academic Research Papers

...USED ENGINE OIL AS SIGN PEN INK COMPONENT 1 Potential of Used Engine Oil as an Additive Component for Sign Pen Ink An Investigatory Project Presented to the Faculty of Science and English Area In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in Science and Technology 10 and English 10 Benitez, Danielle C. Cartagena, Roland L. Florentino, Mikhael C. Medina, Alexandra Marie P. Peñaflorida, Andrea Raecristine F. G10 – Our Lady of the Assumption December 10, 2014 USED ENGINE OIL AS SIGN PEN INK COMPONENT 2 Abstract This research’s sole purpose is to find an ideal alternative for sign pen ink. Specifically, it aimed to experiment upon the concept of whether or not used engine oil (UEO) can be used as a suitable component for sign pen ink. In doing so, the researchers have conducted a test that makes use of varying amounts of two main ingredients, namely,UEO and pounded charcoal. Throughout the course of the experiment, three types of ink were produced with the compositions of: 70% UEO and 30% powdered charcoal (Ink A), 80% UEO and 20% powdered charcoal (Ink B), and lastly 100% UEO and no charcoal (Ink C). Ink A was recorded to have the highest tone quality and highest viscosity, which was proven through the chromatography test. Ink B was found to be second highest in terms of both tone quality and viscosity, while Ink C exhibited the lowest tone quality and lowest viscosity level. Tone quality was recorded by testing the pens for writing, and viscosity level...

Words: 4213 - Pages: 17

Premium Essay

Energy Market

...BUEC 563 – Energy Industries and Markets: Syllabus Instructor: Richard Dixon Email: rjdixon@ualberta.ca Phone: (780) 248-1650 ------------------------------------------------- Prerequisite: BUEC 502 – Managerial Microeconomics (or equivalent) COURSE OBJECTIVES While part of the Natural Resources, Energy and Environment specialization this introductory course is an overview to the resource and energy industries and markets. Students gain a basic understanding of the evolving nature and structure of energy industries and markets, including market, technological, environmental and other strategic issues.  Second, there is a strong emphasis on students' proficiency levels in verbal and written business communication. Of particular interest is the ability to do and convey critical analysis and thinking in a variety of business formats (e.g. briefing note, strategic scenarios, business case, oral presentation, etc.). LEARNING GOALS Critical Thinking Students will be exposed to current issues and ideas concerning energy and its development in the 21st Century and this will help to develop their ability to analyze problems, situations and issues in a clear-minded, rigorous intellectual manner. At the end of the course the student will have more tools to critically think about current energy issues. Energy Fundamentals Students will enhance and develop a better understanding and awareness of the energy sector and its fundamentals from an economics, management and business...

Words: 2945 - Pages: 12

Premium Essay

A New Life

...The Oil Connect Schanaque Watson Strayer University PAD 540 May 19, 2015 [Instructor Name] The Oil Connect Introduction Oil has been a problem in the United States for years. We have been fighting with countries like Iran, Russia and so many more. According to history.com, The 19th century was a period of great change and industrialization. The iron and steel industry had new construction materials, the railroads connected the country and the discovery of oil provided a new source of fuel. In 1901, Spindletop geyser drove huge growth in the oil industry. More than 1,500 oil companies had been chartered, and oil became the dominant fuel of the 20th century and an integral part of the American economy. World War II, 1945, made the oil industry a key American resource. Oil company research and executive leadership played major roles in the conflict. Because of World War II, research increased the number of products made from petroleum and natural gas, including the explosive and artificial rubber. The Jersey-Dupont jointly owned product, tetraethyl lead, upgraded gasoline to improve airplane speed. Oil tankers supplied gasoline for the Allies at great risk from submarine attacks. The government rationed gasoline and controlled prices during the war. In the last analysis the war ended the delusion that American supplies of crude were unlimited, so that the industry and the securing of oil became a top priority for both foreign and domestic policy.(Giddens) ...

Words: 549 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Natural Preservatives

..."NATURAL PRESERVATIVES" Anthony C. Dweck Research Director, Peter Black Medicare Ltd., White Horse Business Park, Aintree Avenue, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, UK. BA14 0XB SUMMARY This paper looks at the theoretical development of a natural preservative system using the author's data base on medicinal plants as a source of references. The legal aspects of this concept are considered. The traditional methods of preservation, many taken from the food industry are summarised. The use of alcohol, glycerine, sugar, salt, dessication, anhydrous systems and temperature are amongst examples considered. The definitions of the many words used to describe the act of preservation are considered, and the confusion that results from the presence of the many synonyms is considered. e.g. antimicrobial, antibiotic, antiseptic, bactericidal, etc. Specific organisms are identified as being of particular interest, especially those standard organisms that form part of the B.P. challenge test. These include Candida albicans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Aspergillus niger and Staphylococcus aureus. A cross-section of plants mentioned in the literature as being specifically targeted at these organisms are considered. The paper concludes with Appendices of plant materials that have mention in the literature according to specific definitions, which may give researchers a potential introduction to future research. KEY WORDS Natural preservation, traditional preservation, challenge test organisms...

Words: 10819 - Pages: 44

Free Essay

Feasibility of Used Cooking Oil and Charcoal for T-Shirt Printing

...Cooking Oil and Charcoal for T-Shirt Printing" from Anti Essays, your source for free research papers, essays, and term paper examples. RESEARCH PLAN Research Topic: Used cooking oil and charcoal as an alternative in for t-shirt printing. Objectives:     • To know if used cooking oil and charcoal is capable for t-shirt printing.     • To see if you can make use of used cooking oil and charcoal as an ink. Hypothesis: |Null                                           |Alternative                                     |Cause and effect| |Used cooking oil and charcoal is not capable   |Used cooking oil and charcoal is capable for   |If used cooking oil and charcoal made the print| |for t-shirt printing.                           |t-shirt printing.                               |on the t-shirt, then it is capable for t-shirt | |                                               |                                               |printing.                                       | |You cannot use used cooking oil and charcoal as|You can make use of used cooking oil and       |If used cooking oil and charcoal made the print| |an ink.                                         |charcoal as an ink.                             |on the t-shirt, then it can be used as an ink. | Methodology:   To know if you can use used cooking oil and charcoal as an ink, you must first conduct an experiment about it.   The first thing you need to do is mix 50 mL of used cooking oil ang 150...

Words: 305 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Diversification of Income Resource in Saudi

...Diversification of Income Resource in Saudi Arabia as Result Decrease Oil Price Names Institutional Affiliation Abstract The main objective of this paper is to study the idea of diversification of the income resource of Saudi Arabia due to the effects of the instability in the oil market. Saudi Arabia as a country has developed due to its oil source which makes it the kingpin in the world oil market. Approximately 85% of the country revenue is earned from the oil economic sector. This is a sign of over reliance on the oil market making the country economy vulnerable because of changes of oil prices. The instability of the oil prices in the global market has signaled the need for economic diversification to build a stable economy (Shoult, 2006). This paper discusses the possible ideas which can be used to up bring diversified economy which does not depend on a single or few sectors of income generation. Introduction Saudi Arabia is a country that is located in the western part of Asia. It is the world largest producer and exporter of petroleum products. The economy of Saudi Arabia has in the past been pivoted on the oil as source of revenue due to the fact that the strength of the economy, foreign investor’s ideas and development of the infrastructures were all dependent on the oil. Fluctuations in the oil prices and demand in the world market has greatly affected the economy of Saudi Arabia and well as a source of livelihood to the majority of the citizens. The country...

Words: 1429 - Pages: 6