Royal Dutch Shell has a long history of strategic planning that has enabled it to anticipate changes in the oil industry and adapt accordingly. The company was founded in the late 19th century by the Samuel brothers who pioneered oil transportation by sea. Through mergers with Royal Dutch Petroleum and other acquisitions, Shell became a global oil giant by the 1920s. However, it faced challenges during the 1930s from nationalizations. More recently, Shell has expanded into alternative fuels and renewable energy to prepare for a future with less dependence on oil. Alternative fuel sources like biomass and hybrid vehicles now present a potential threat to Shell's core oil business if adopted widely.