Judge — May 13, 1905 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon satirizes **Standard Oil's monopolistic control** of American commerce. The eagle—traditionally symbolizing American independence and freedom—is depicted as a skeletal, demonic figure with wings, perched over "boxes" (likely representing commerce or industries). The circular seal reads "STANDARD OIL CONTROL OF AMERICA" with "WE TRUST" at center, mocking the phrase "In God We Trust." This suggests Standard Oil has replaced God/patriotic values as what Americans must trust. The vulture-like eagle represents how the oil monopoly has corrupted American ideals. This reflects the early 1900s Progressive Era concerns about **corporate consolidation and antitrust issues**—Standard Oil was famously broken up by the Supreme Court in 1911.