American Transformation And Industrialisation: 1868-1890 - The Sherman Antitrust Act (1890)

The Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 was the first legislative measure to prohibit trusts and monopolies, aiming to promote fair competition. As industrial giants like US Steel and Standard Oil emerged, they used their market influence to stifle competition, leading to wealth concentration. Trusts were formed to control markets and fix prices, prompting the creation of antitrust laws. Although the Supreme Court initially weakened the Act, President Teddy Roosevelt later used it effectively in his trust-busting efforts.

What was the primary goal of the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890?

• To support large corporations

• To promote international trade

• To prohibit trusts and monopolies

• To increase taxes on businesses

By 1890, what percentage of the population controlled 75% of the nation's wealth?

• 10%

• 5%

• 50%

• 20%

What was one of the main purposes of the Antitrust Acts?

• To encourage the formation of trusts

• To prevent monopolies from fixing prices

• To increase tariffs on imports

• To support banking trusts

Why did the US Supreme Court dismantle the Sherman Antitrust Act in 1895?

• It was too loosely worded

• It was never passed by Congress

• It was too expensive to enforce

• It was unpopular with the public

How did President Teddy Roosevelt use the Sherman Antitrust Act?

• He ignored it completely

• He used it to support monopolies

• He used it successfully in trust-busting campaigns

• He repealed it