Wow, imagine that before oil, whale oil actually dominated the world! 🐋 From the 16th century to the early 20th century, this resource extracted from various whale species was almost everywhere. Whale oil not only lit up household lights but also flowed into lubricants for industrial machines, and even played an indispensable role in the production of soap and explosives.

As early as the 16th century, whale oil had become a widely used lighting fuel. It burned slowly and had a bright flame, making it an excellent choice for homes, streets, and lighthouses in Europe and America. In particular, the "blubber" extracted from baleen whales was considered the most reliable and indispensable at that time, until the later popularization of kerosene and electrification.

In the 17th century, whale oil played an important role in soap manufacturing. Its high fat content made it a vital ingredient for soap, helping people maintain hygiene. During that period, whale oil became crucial as an export commodity, with European whaling fleets sailing to the Americas and Africa to meet the growing demands for cleaning and lighting.

In the wave of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries, the uses of whale oil further expanded. In particular, whale spermaceti oil was highly regarded as a premium lubricant for high-pressure machinery. As a result, the booming factories required this oil to ensure the smooth operation of machines, and the advancement of industrialization could not be separated from it.

By the 20th century, chemical advancements made whale oil a key ingredient in margarine and soap. It was even used during the world wars to produce nitroglycerin needed for explosives. For a time, whale liver oil was an important source of vitamin D until synthetic alternatives became available.

However, with the rise of petroleum products and vegetable oils, this once ubiquitous resource gradually retreated into the background. Kerosene quickly replaced whale oil for lighting, and new industrial lubricants surpassed it. By the mid-20th century, environmental awareness and concerns over the declining whale population sparked a global wave of opposition to whaling.

By the 1960s, this industry began to decline rapidly, as natural oil was replaced by the proliferation of synthetic products. The protection movement and the growing concern about the environmental impact of whaling activities intensified, and the International Whaling Commission ultimately prohibited commercial whaling in 1986, ending the glory of the whale oil market.

Whale oil was once a pillar of daily life and industrial growth, but it also led to the unbearable endangerment of whale species. Its memory reminds us of how important it is to manage resources effectively and seek sustainable alternatives. What do you think about this? Leave a comment and let's chat!🌿