Progressive Movement Practice Exam 2025 - Free Progressive Era Practice Questions and Study Guide

The Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 aimed to address and reduce the power of monopolies and prevent anti-competitive practices within the marketplace. It was the first federal legislation enacted to curb concentrations of power that interfere with trade and commerce. The Act was a response to growing public concern about the monopolistic practices of large corporations, which could stifle competition, inflate prices, and ultimately harm consumers.

By prohibiting contracts, combinations, or conspiracies in restraint of trade and declaring any attempts to monopolize as illegal, the Act provided a legal framework to challenge and dismantle entities that engaged in unfair business practices. The targeted goal was to ensure a competitive market environment that would bolster economic growth and protect consumer rights. This framework laid the groundwork for future antitrust legislation and has been essential in the American legal system for regulating corporate behavior.

In contrast, the other options focus on different areas of regulation or specific economic policies that were not the primary objective of the Sherman Antitrust Act.