AP US History in 1 Minute Daily: Antitrust Legislation (Day 209/309)

Hey APUSHers, let’s chat about Antitrust Legislation as part of my series- APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!

Bosses of the Senate, United States Senate

At the turn of the century, Progressives advocated for antitrust legislation to address the growing concerns surrounding monopolies and unfair business practices. 

“The little boy [Common People] and the big boys [Trusts] prepare for the baseball season,” Library of Congress

As the initial federal response to these issues, President Teddy Roosevelt enforced the landmark Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 to foster competition by outlawing monopolistic practices.

“Making Sure Their Clean,” University of Iowa

The subsequent Clayton Antitrust Act of 1914 strengthened these laws, specifying prohibited practices and establishing the Federal Trade Commission as a regulatory body with the authority to investigate and enforce antitrust measures. 

The President's dream of a successful hunt, Library of Congress

President Roosevelt gained a reputation as a “trust-buster” for breaking up railroad monopolies and the Standard Oil Company. Roosevelt did distinguish between good and bad trusts and Presidents Taft and Wilson continued these practices.

As public sentiment shifted against unchecked corporate power, Progressives advocated for and successfully helped to enact antitrust legislation to promote fair competition.

Join me tomorrow as I explain Railroad Regulation in the next APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!