At the age of 14 in 1871, Ida Tarbell witnessed The Standard Oil Company come to her western Pennsylvania town, virtually destroying the economic prospects of the small oil owners, including her father. This event would leave a lasting impact on Tarbell. She went on to chronicle the corruption and monopolistic power in The History of the Standard Oil Company, a watershed work in investigative reporting and anti-trust work. Her writing eventually led to the passing of anti-trust laws and the breaking up of The Standard Oil Company.
Tarbell is considered a groundbreaking figure in investigative journalism. She worked for many years at McClure's magazine and eventually took on the role of desk editor. Facing opposition from Rockefeller and the publishing industry itself, Tarbell developed rigorous methods searching private and public records to uncover her material. In addition to her antitrust work, she wrote about disarmament, the suffrage movement, and famous world leaders.
Tarbell is considered a groundbreaking figure in investigative journalism. She worked for many years at McClure's magazine and eventually took on the role of desk editor. Facing opposition from Rockefeller and the publishing industry itself, Tarbell developed rigorous methods searching private and public records to uncover her material. In addition to her antitrust work, she wrote about disarmament, the suffrage movement, and famous world leaders.