In 1956, what percentage of Europe's total energy consumption came from oil?

• A. 40%
• B. 60%
• C. 20%
• D. 10%

Answer: (C)

In this question, the key idea is understanding the energy mix—how much of total energy use comes from each source. In Europe during the mid-1950s, coal still dominated energy consumption for heating, electricity, and industry, while oil was growing fast, especially as a fuel for transportation. However, oil had not yet become the primary energy source across the whole economy. By around 1956, oil made up roughly one-fifth of total energy consumption, with coal providing the larger share and other sources contributing smaller amounts. So, about twenty percent reflects oil’s rising importance while coal remained the main energy source overall.