Unit 9 Age of Oil Study Guide Oil Industry  Spindletop – 1901 near Beaumont Texas; first BIG oil discovery in Texas  After Spindletop – new jobs were created in the oil industry; over 500 new companies were formed; the standard of living for people in Texas increased greatly  However production became a serious problem and the economy of Texas suffered greatly; in response the government established the Texas Railroad Commission to oversee and regulate the oil industry  Boomtowns sprang up all over the state  Oil deposits can be found in every region of Texas  New inventions – rotary drill bit; development of off shore drilling; directional drilling helped expand the oil industry

Growth of Urban Areas – (Cities)  Metropolitan areas – large urban cities that are “connected” (example would be Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston which was spurred by the expansion of railroads)  West Texas grew quicker than any other area  Was a result of industrialization that came to Texas in the 20th century – specifically the transportation, manufacturing, and oil & gas industries  As urban areas grew more and more service industry job opportunities occurred

Reform Movements/Groups  WOMEN’S RIGHTS – began with a convention in 1848 at Seneca Falls o Women were demanding equal rights and protection under the law o Especially the right to vote (SUFFRAGE MOVEMENT) o Women gained the right to vote when the 19th amendment was passed in 1920

 PROGRESSIVISTS –lobbied to improve working conditions for industrial (factory) workers

 POPULISTS –political group made up of rural citizens (farmers) who had not benefited from the growth and wealth of industrialization; Governor James Hogg was their candidate

 LULAC – political group who works to support the rights of Spanish speaking people

 TEMPREANCE MOVEMENT – wanted to ban the sale of alcohol – believed the abuses of alcohol contributed to violence (especially against women) and overall crime in society; the power of the group eventually became so strong that the government passed the 18th amendment (Prohibition) in 1920, which outlawed the manufacturing, sale, and transportation of alcohol in the entire US o Prohibition was repealed (formally reversed) when the US Congress passed the 21st amendment in Dec 1933 World War I  From 1914-1918  Over 500 women served as nurses during the war  Many women left the home to take jobs in factories – which led to the desire for more independence and hopes for equality after the war  Four military camps were established in Texas – including Camp Bowie in Fort Worth

Galveston Hurricane  Before the hurricane, Galveston was becoming the largest and wealthiest city in Texas  September 8th, 1900 – the nation’s most deadliest storm struck Galveston  After the destruction the city government, working with the Army Corps of Engineers constructed a seawall to prevent future flooding  Major industries moved inward to Houston to prevent repeated destruction from future hurricanes

Important People  James Hogg – established the Texas Railroad Commission; was the first native born Texan to be elected governor; presented himself as the “working man’s” candidate  Howard Hughes – leader in the petroleum industry

Innovations  Tractor – helped produce crops faster – which initially created a boom in the economy; but after sometime led to a bust because of the overproduction of crops and the market being flooded with too much at once

Definitions  Boom/Bust Cycle – period of great profits followed by a downward trend in an industry – often repeats itself  Grange – organization of farmers created in the late 1860s; promoted cooperation and social activities for local farmers; schooling for rural children; helped support farmers financially by creating cooperative stores