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Interstate Commerce Act of 1887
This act regulated railroads in ways that prevented these companies from gaining too much power. It also established the Interstate Commerce Commission. -
Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890
This act banned all trusts and monopolies on any trade or commerce in the United States. -
The "Square Deal"
This was the name of President Roosevelt's policy that included protection of consumers, control of large corporations, and the conservation of natural resources. -
The Northern Securities Case
President Roosevelt enforced the Sherman Antitrust Act by breaking up the Northern Securities Company, which had formed a trust. -
Theodore Roosevelt Elected as President
Roosevelt's election was significant for business reform because he was one of the founders of the Progressive party, and he worked to maintain fair competition in the business world. -
Pure Food and Drug Act
This act regulated businesses by banning food containing harmful ingredients, requiring labels listing ingredients, and by enforcing government inspections. This was also passed in reaction to The Jungle -
The Hepburn Act
This act strengthened the power of the Interstate Commerce Commission, and gave the federal government more power to regulate railroads to ensure the establishment of fair rates. -
Publishing of The Jungle
The Jungle was a book written by Upton Sinclair, who went undercover at a meat packing factory. The book exposed the unfair working conditions and the unsanitary processes practiced at the factory. -
Meat Inspection Act
This act was passed after the publishing of The Jungle, and it regulated businesses by declaring only healthy meats could be used, and by enforcing standards for cleanliness. -
Federal Trade Commission Act
This act established the Federal Trade Commission to maintain fair competition among businesses. -
Clayton Antitrust Act
This act was passed to strengthen the Sherman Antitrust Act by banning business practices that resulted in the formation of monopolies.
