📚 Learning Guide
Sherman Antitrust Act Application
easy

What was the primary cause behind the application of the Sherman Antitrust Act against the Northern Securities railroad trust in 1904?

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Choose the Best Answer

A

To promote competition by dismantling monopolistic practices

B

To increase government revenue through business taxes

C

To support the interests of large corporations

D

To encourage foreign investments in the U.S.

Understanding the Answer

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Answer

The Sherman Antitrust Act was applied to Northern Securities because the company had formed a monopoly that restricted competition and harmed consumers. By merging the Northern Pacific, Great Northern, and Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy railroads, it controlled a large portion of rail traffic and could set high freight rates. This concentration of power was seen as a restraint of trade, violating the Act’s prohibition against monopolistic practices. The federal government sued to break up the trust and restore competitive pricing, as shown by the court’s decision to dissolve the company.

Detailed Explanation

The Sherman Antitrust Act was written to stop companies from taking too much power over markets. Other options are incorrect because Some think the Act was mainly to raise tax money, but its purpose was to protect markets, not revenue; Many believe it helped big companies, yet the law actually fights against the largest corporations when they abuse power.

Key Concepts

Antitrust Legislation
Monopolies
Regulation of Commerce
Topic

Sherman Antitrust Act Application

Difficulty

easy level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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