Government Regulation and Antitrust Acts

The lecture compares the Gilded Age and the Progressive Era, focusing on government roles. The Gilded Age saw strong government support for big business, often leading to corruption and favoritism. In contrast, the Progressive Era introduced reforms and regulations to curb these excesses, with significant legislation like the Meat Inspection Act and the Clayton Antitrust Act. The lecture emphasizes the importance of evidence-based comparison and highlights key events and legislation from both eras.

What is a key aspect of making effective comparison arguments?

• Ignoring historical context

• Providing evidence to support claims

• Relying on historical fiction

• Using personal opinions

What was a common misconception about the Gilded Age?

• It was dominated by small businesses

• It was a time of strict government regulation

• It was a laissez-faire era

• It was a period of economic decline

Which scandal exemplified corruption during the Gilded Age?

• Credit Mobiliar Scandal

• Teapot Dome Scandal

• Watergate Scandal

• Enron Scandal

How did the government typically respond to labor disputes during the Gilded Age?

• By remaining neutral

• By enforcing strict regulations

• By supporting labor unions

• By siding with big business

What prompted the Meat Inspection Act during the Progressive Era?

• A novel by Upton Sinclair

• A labor strike

• A government report

• A public health crisis

What was a significant change in government approach during the Progressive Era?

• Increased support for big business

• Introduction of laissez-faire policies

• Regulation of business practices

• Complete withdrawal from economic affairs

What was a major difference between the Sherman and Clayton Antitrust Acts?

• The Sherman Act was passed later

• The Clayton Act exempted labor unions

• The Sherman Act was stronger

• The Clayton Act was used against labor unions

Which act was considered weak in terms of antitrust legislation?

• Clayton Antitrust Act

• Sherman Antitrust Act

• Federal Trade Commission Act

• Robinson-Patman Act

What was the primary goal of the Clayton Antitrust Act?

• To promote laissez-faire policies

• To protect market competition

• To regulate labor unions

• To support big business

What was a key difference between the Gilded Age and the Progressive Era?

• The Progressive Era had more government support for big business

• The Gilded Age focused on labor rights

• The Progressive Era emphasized business regulation

• The Gilded Age had more government regulation