For much of history, energy has played an important role. Living standards have always been linked to energy. People needed to burn wood for heat and cooking. Wood was replaced by coal, and coal was later replaced by oil. Although the history of oil may seem relatively new in the United States, it has nonetheless played an important role in the country’s economy and development. Discovery of Oil The history of oil first began a very long time ago. It was used by the Chinese in 600 B.C. and was even transported via bamboo pipelines. The oil industry, however, began to truly take off in the United States when Colonel Drake discovered oil in Pennsylvania in 1859. In 1901, Spindletop found oil in Texas and the US became a major player in the world’s oil industry. Before oil, coal was the most popular source of energy. Coal replaced wood and helped speed up industrialization, but it still had its disadvantages. Popularity of Oil People quickly found that oil was cleaner and more flexible than coal. In addition, it was cheaper and more reliable than whale oil and other products. During this time, people were also actively looking for sources of fuel other than coal. Burning coal created a thick smoke that led to pollution and hazardous living conditions. People began to protest these conditions. Oil became an attractive alternative. Oil became the fuel of choice during the rapid improvements of technology during the 20th century. Two of the most influential technological breakthroughs were the automobile and the lightbulb. Automobiles and light bulbs quickly became popular. As the demand for cars and electricity increased, so did the demand for oil, a product necessary for them to work properly. Continue reading at http://robertbensh.net/a-brief-history-of-oil-in-the-us-pt-i/