Progressive Era

Sherman Antitrust Act is passed

1890

Congress passed the Sherman Antitrust Act to prevent monopolies and trusts in American industries, specifically in the railroad and steel industries. It was the first law to deal with monopolies and trusts and, along with the Interstate Commerce Act, was one of the first acts to regulate Big Business.

16th, 17th Amendments Ratified

1913

In 1913, both the 16th and 17th Amendments were ratified. The 16th
Amendment created a federal income tax. The 17th Amendment changed how senators were elected. It gave the people the power to elect senators in direct elections, rather than having senators appointed by state legislatures.