Oil’s Rise to Global Power

How did oil shape the World? It begins with ancient plankton millions of years ago,

slowly turning into the black liquid that would outclass coal. By the late 1800s,

oil proved lighter, hotter‑burning, easier to move, perfect for the new industrial world.

Then came World War I. Winston Churchill approved the switch of the entire British

Navy from coal to oil, unlocking faster ships, bigger guns,

and global reach. Overnight, oil became the key to naval dominance, and the key to superpower

status. Oil has remained essential since, fuelling cars, planes,

wars, and economies. Even today, global tensions rise with US attacks