What was whaling like in the early 1900s?

In the early 1900s, whaling was a significant industry driven by the demand for whale oil, used for lighting, lubrication, and soap, as well as baleen for corsets and other products. Whalers used large sailing ships and later steam-powered vessels, employing harpoons and explosive projectiles to capture whales. The process was often brutal, leading to the near extinction of several whale species. By the mid-20th century, growing concerns about conservation and animal rights began to challenge the whaling practices of this era.