Here's a brief summary of their impact:
1. Exposé of Standard Oil's Practices: Tarbell's book, published in 1904, meticulously documented Standard Oil's use of anti-competitive practices, such as price discrimination, predatory pricing, and secret deals with railroads, to gain a monopoly in the oil industry.
2. Public Awareness and Outrage: Through her detailed and evidence-based reporting, Tarbell exposed the public to the harmful effects of Standard Oil's monopoly, generating widespread public outrage and support for antitrust legislation.
3. Government Investigations: Tarbell's book prompted the federal government to launch several antitrust investigations into Standard Oil, which eventually led to the landmark decision of the Supreme Court in 1911 that ordered the breakup of Standard Oil into 34 smaller companies.
4. Legacy of Investigative Journalism: Tarbell's work exemplified a new style of investigative journalism known as "muckraking." She inspired a generation of journalists to expose corruption, monopolies, and other social issues, shaping the course of American journalism.
5. Impact on Antitrust Laws: The publication of "The History of the Standard Oil Company" contributed to strengthening public support for stricter antitrust laws to regulate big businesses and prevent monopolies. The book had a lasting impact on shaping antitrust policies and regulations in the United States.