Question

which statement best describes standard oil in the late 1800s? standard oil was a single business that operated in a small region. standard oil controlled only a small number of the nation’s oil refineries. standard oil owned ninety percent of all oil refineries in the united states. standard oil controlled only the means and methods of oil production.

Explanation:

To determine the correct statement about Standard Oil in the late 1800s, we analyze each option:

• The first option is incorrect because Standard Oil was a large, national (and eventually international) company, not a small - region single business.
• The second option is incorrect. Standard Oil, under John D. Rockefeller, had a massive monopoly and controlled a large number of oil refineries, not a small number.
• The third option is correct. Standard Oil, through its monopoly practices, owned approximately ninety percent of all oil refineries in the United States during the late 1800s.
• The fourth option is incorrect. Standard Oil controlled much more than just the means and methods of oil production; it controlled the entire oil - refining industry, including distribution and marketing, and had a near - monopoly on the oil - related business in the US.

Answer:

Standard Oil owned ninety percent of all oil refineries in the United States.