re: If you were randomly sent to the past, would you be able to make a historic difference?

It wouldn't be necessary or advisable to "create" a whole new technology. You want to time it so you're there on the ground floor of an existing technology that's starting to boom. In the late 19th century they were already drilling several hundred feet using the same methods used for drilling water wells. You show up knowing exactly where to look. I mean, who would guess oil would be in Saudi Arabia of all places? Then you introduce clever innovations like rotating drill bits, how to case a well, etc. You would be the emperor of the world in short order.