“Grand Ball Given by the Whales,” Vainness Honest, April 20, 1861 – Vitality Historical past

The primary profitable business oil properly was drilled in Pennsylvania in 1859.  The speedy adoption of kerosene rapidly undercut the usage of whale oil for illumination. On this political cartoon in Vainness Honest  from April 1861, only one week after the beginning of the Civil Battle, whales have a good time the invention of oil and the opportunity of diminished demand for whale oil. 

What sorts of cultural and financial challenges might need accompanied the transition from whale oil to petroleum-based kerosene? Who have been the “winners” and the “losers” on this power shift?

How may the event of oil in a northern state (Pennsylvania) mattered, each economically and symbolically, after the warfare reduce off southern cotton-producing areas?

Quotation: 

“Grand Ball Given by the Whales.” Drawing. April 20, 1861. Vainness Honest.

Library Merchandise date: 

1861