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.

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