AP US History in 1 Minute Daily: The Antitrust Movement (Day 188/309)

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

Bosses of the Senate, United States Senate

In the late 19th century, an antitrust movement grew in response to the immense economic and political influence wielded by powerful industrial monopolies. 

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

Advocates argued that these monopolies stifled competition, manipulated prices, exploited workers, and undermined fair market principles. 

Sherman Antitrust Act, National Archives

In 1890, the Sherman Antitrust Act was passed to curb monopolistic practices and promote competition.  However, its early enforcement faced challenges due to vague language and limited judicial interpretation. 

United States v. E. C. Knight Co, Oyez

In 1895, the Supreme Court narrowed its scope in United States v. E.C. Knight Co. It hindered the act’s effectiveness by limiting the government’s role to regulating interstate commerce.

Through legislation such as the Sherman Antitrust Act, efforts were made to restore competition, safeguard consumer interests, and prevent excessive concentration of economic control in the hands of a few industrial giants. 

Join me tomorrow as I explain Social Darwinism in the next APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!