Texas Oil Boom

What are we learning?

We will explain how oil changed Texas in political, economic, and social ways.
We will also think about how oil affects the environment and future energy use.

The Big Discovery

• In 1901, oil was discovered at Spindletop

• The Lucas Gusher shot oil high into the air

• This started the Texas Oil Boom

• Exxon began as Humble Oil in Humble

Political Impact

• The Texas Railroad Commission controlled oil production

• They helped keep oil prices stable

>> Why it matters: Too much oil lowers prices, too little raises prices

Economic Impact

• Boomtowns grew quickly

• More jobs were created

• Cities like Houston expanded

• Oil helped grow the automobile industry

Oil = jobs + money + growth

Social Impact

• People moved to Texas for work

• The standard of living improved

  • Better homes

  • More goods

  • More opportunities

Environment & Energy

• Drilling changed the land (environmental modification)

• Oil is a limited resource

• Texas now uses alternative energy:

  • Wind

  • Solar

Think About It

Was the oil boom mostly helpful or harmful to Texas? Explain why.