Munsey's Magazine, August 1919

This issue of Munsey's Magazine (August 1919) features "The Great Oil Boom," a lengthy article by Judson C. Welliver examining the post-war petroleum industry. The article argues that oil, proven vital during World War I, will drive unprecedented global commercial expansion. Welliver surveys the competing international petroleum interests, particularly Standard Oil of the United States and Royal Dutch-Shell (now under British government influence), tracing their production operations in Galicia, Romania, Persia, Mexico, and the Dutch East Indies. The text discusses oil's essential role fueling motorized transport, aviation, and naval operations, predicting consumption will outpace production indefinitely. The article includes portraits of oil industry executives: Walter C. Teagle (Standard Oil of New Jersey), William P. Cowan (Standard Oil of Indiana), A.C. Bedford, Robert D. Benson (Tide Water Oil), Edward L. Doheny (Mexican Petroleum Company), Henry E. Felton (Union Tank Line), and E.C. Lufkin (Texas Company).