Final answer:
The correct answer as to why Rockefeller feared electricity is that he was a supporter of the oil industry, which electricity threatened to disrupt. Additionally, George Westinghouse's AC power invention allowed electricity to be delivered over greater distances and resulted in factories operating around the clock.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rockefeller was a staunch supporter of the oil industry, which is the reason he had reservations regarding the widespread adoption of electricity. This was largely because electrification represented a shift away from oil, which could negatively impact his business interests in the oil industry. Thus, the correct answer to why Rockefeller feared electricity is option b) Rockefeller was a supporter of the oil industry.
George Westinghouse's invention of "alternating current" (AC power) was a game-changer in electrical distribution because it allowed electricity to be delivered over greater distances, which is a major advantage over Edison's direct current (DC) power. This innovation enabled the spread of electricity to homes, factories, and farms far from power sources, leading to more extensive electrification and significant socio-economic changes, including the shift of industries and people into urban centers.
Electrifying the workplace had transformative effects, particularly on factory operations. The use of electric lights allowed factories to operate 24/7, elevating production demands and contributing to urban population growth as the workforce expanded to meet these new requirements. This significant change can be seen as option b) It enabled factories to stay open later and people to work at night.