This realization led me to the conclusion that while most workers were mistreated during industrialization, Rockefeller did not treat his workers particularly horribly, comparable to other men of business. However, after seeing the great wealth Rockefeller earned, many people thought that perhaps he could have saved a little more money for his workers and sacrificed a small amount compared to what it was worth. Rockefeller, while not ruthless towards his employees, was a hard hitter against competing companies. He was completely ruthless in his dealings with other oil companies. He would not hesitate to cause many companies to close their doors permanently. Without this brutality, Rockefeller would not have as large a clientele as he had. In order for Rockefeller to dominate the oil industry, Rockefeller had to have the lowest prices. Once Rockefeller owned the industry, he no longer had any incentive to sell at low prices. When he dominated the oil industry, he was able to provide Standard Oil with the lowest operating cost ever. After being the biggest player in the game, he was able to raise prices much higher. Rockefeller knew this would make him more money and help him get richer and richer. Rockefeller's consolidation and consumption of markets were essential for him to become as rich as he was. If he hadn't checked so much