What tool did President Roosevelt use to dismantle trusts and monopolies during the Progressive Era?
History · High School · Mon Jan 18 2021
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During the Progressive Era, President Theodore Roosevelt employed the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 as a key tool to dismantle trusts and monopolies. This legislation was originally designed to promote competition by prohibiting certain business activities that restricted trade or commerce. Roosevelt aggressively used this act to challenge and break up large corporations that were deemed monopolistic or anti-competitive.
He utilized the Sherman Antitrust Act to file lawsuits against several major corporations, particularly those in industries like oil, railroads, and meatpacking, aiming to break their monopolistic control over markets. Roosevelt's actions earned him the nickname "Trustbuster" for his efforts to curb the power of monopolies and ensure fair competition in the marketplace.