[vinceguidry]

Well, at the time, the kerosene market was declining and there was nothing bringing it back. Right after the breakup, Henry Ford finally perfected the automobile, and Standard Oil came right back.

[WalterBright]

Market share isn't the same thing as market size. The point being, SO was losing to competitors.

[valarauca1]

Very true. From 1870 to 1890 SO was 90% of the oil market. By 1907 they were 68%.

Their main competition was from Russia oddly enough.