R.E.A. Lesson - History Mystery



QUESTION: Why does the use of kerosene continue to go up even as electricity use is increasing?



Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, *Historical Statistics of the United States: Colonial Times to 1970*. (Washington, DC.: Government Printing Office, 1975), pp. 691-692, 827.

By adding the kerosene information to the electricity graph you have been working with, you can easily see the comparision between the use of kerosene and the precent of homes with electrical service. Take a minute to review this graph. The percent of homes with electrical service is listed on the left side of the graph, while the use of kerosene (in barrels consumed) is listed on the right side of the graph. You can see that the use of kerosene was increasing as the percent of homes with electrical service was also increasing. Think about what else is changing during these years and the other uses for kerosene besides providing light. If you think you have the answer, click the "I've Solved the History Mystery" button. If you need a push in the right direction, click on "Mooster History" – he can give you a hand. GOOD LUCK!