Just before WWI what country provided 60% of the world's oil?

Just before WWI what country provided 60% of the world's oil?

• A. UK
• B. France
• C. USA
• D. Germany

Answer: (C)

Global oil production in the prewar era was dominated by the United States, which produced about 60% of the world’s oil just before World War I. This came from rapidly developed oil fields in Texas, California, Pennsylvania, and other areas, supported by strong refining networks and large companies. Oil powered engines, ships, and factories, so having such a massive share gave the United States enormous industrial and strategic influence on the eve of war. The United Kingdom, France, and Germany produced far less oil domestically and relied more on coal or imports, so none approached that level of global supply. The take-away is that the scale of U.S. oil production made it the leading supplier worldwide at that time.

Global oil production in the prewar era was dominated by the United States, which produced about 60% of the world’s oil just before World War I. This came from rapidly developed oil fields in Texas, California, Pennsylvania, and other areas, supported by strong refining networks and large companies. Oil powered engines, ships, and factories, so having such a massive share gave the United States enormous industrial and strategic influence on the eve of war. The United Kingdom, France, and Germany produced far less oil domestically and relied more on coal or imports, so none approached that level of global supply. The take-away is that the scale of U.S. oil production made it the leading supplier worldwide at that time.