In 1910, California's share of world oil production was approximately what percentage?

• A. 10%
• B. 15%
• C. 22%
• D. 30%

Answer: (D)

Think about how a region can dominate global output when a big wave of new production hits. By 1910 California had become a major oil powerhouse, driven by giant fields in Kern County and rapid development in the Los Angeles Basin. At that time, world oil production was still concentrated in a few regions, and California’s rapid expansion pushed its share to roughly thirty percent of global production. That’s about one-third, reflecting how large California’s output had become relative to the rest of the world. The other option percentages would understate California’s significant role during this era, which is why about thirty percent is the best estimate.