Antitrust DBQ

Document A: According to the government, why was Microsoft able to force personal computer manufacturers to use its browser?

• It organized an extensive campaign to increase its share of the browser market
• It had monopoly power in the market for personal computer operating systems
• It threatened to engage in a "browser war" against uncooperative PC manufacturers
• It used its resources to compete successfully in the market for Windows PCs.

Document A: According to the government, what did Microsoft fail to do?

• dominate the browser market
• establish a monopoly in the personal computer market.
• pursue innovations in the field of high technology.
• compete based only on the quality of its product.

Document B: Why is the rumored deal important to Microsoft?

• It would show that Microsoft did not have monopoly control in the high-technology industry.
• It would make Microsoft the leading producer of personal computers.
• It would allow Netscape's browser to compete equally with Microsoft's browser.
• It would eliminate all competition for browsers other than Internet Explorer.

Document B: Which of the following would make the BEST title for this press release?

• Netscape finds a Home for Its Internet Browser
• Government Intervention in the Economy Is a Mistake
• Microsoft No Longer a Powerhouse of High Tech
• Competition Is Alive and Well in High Tech

Document C: According to these, what explains the Microsoft lawsuit and other similar antitrust suits?

• pressure on government from rival companies
• pressure on government from consumers
• legitimate concerns about anti-competitive practices
• government desire to weaken the largest companies

Document C: Which of the following BEST describes the general point of view of these economists?

• Government antitrust actions do not help consumers of high-tech products
• American firms that cannot compete need antitrust protection.
• government antitrust actions lower the prices of high-tech products.
• Monopolies are typically good for consumers.

Document D: Which of the following is a product that, according to the government's complaint against Microsoft, consumers were "compelled to buy"?

• Internet Explorer
• Intel-based personal computers
• Netscape Navigator
• Windows operating systems

Document D: Which of the following BEST states this cartoonist's opinion of Microsoft?

• Microsoft software is a key to success in the lawn care products business.
• Microsoft can be a good model for other companies
• Microsoft engaged in unethical business practices
• Microsoft restricted consumers' choice of Internet browsers.

Document E: According to this article, how did the settlement of the Microsoft case affect the browser market?

• It gave financial benefits to Microsoft's competitors.
• It made Microsoft more careful about bundling products together.
• It allowed Microsoft to move into new markets like social networking and mobile.
• It forbid Microsoft from bundling future products together.

Document E: The author of this article most likely believes that without the antitrust suit,

• Microsoft would have taken more anti-competitive actions.
• Microsoft would have continued to dominate the browser market.
• Netscape would have dominated the browser market.
• Microsoft would have been more successful in new ventures such as social networking.