Question

muckrakers exit ticket (l)
\to the owners of these refineries mr. rockefeller now went one by one...they did not want to sell. they did want to keep and manage their business...almost the entire independent oil interest of cleveland collapsed in three months time. of the twenty - six refineries, at least twenty went out. by this maneuver standard oil became master of over one - fifth of the refining capacity of the united states.\ - ida tarbells 1904 book, \the history of the standard oil company.\
the primary purpose of the passage is to illustrate which aspect of john d. rockefellers business practices?
his ability to acquire competing businesses through forceful means
his negotiation skills and fair treatment of business rivals
his commitment to maintaining a competitive oil market
his respect for the wishes of independent refinery owners

Explanation:

The passage shows Rockefeller went after independent oil refineries and most of them sold out in three - months, indicating forceful acquisition.

Answer:

His ability to acquire competing businesses through forceful means.