Trusts and Monopolies

Key Progressive Reformers

• Jane Addams: Founded Hull House in Chicago, aimed at helping immigrants adapt to American life.
• Ida Tarbell: Notable muckraker who revealed corrupt practices of Standard Oil; an early advocate of investigative journalism.
• Theodore Roosevelt & Woodrow Wilson: U.S. Presidents who increased federal government power to regulate industries and protect workers, consumers, and the environment.

Significant Legislative Achievements

• Progressive Amendments to the U.S. Constitution:
  • Sixteenth Amendment: Introduced a federal income tax.
  • Seventeenth Amendment: Instituted direct election of U.S. Senators.
  • Eighteenth Amendment: Prohibited the sale of alcohol (Prohibition).
  • Nineteenth Amendment: Granted women the right to vote.

Important Legislation for Worker and Consumer Protection

• Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906: Established the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure food product and pharmaceutical safety and purity.
• Clayton Antitrust Act of 1914: Designed to prevent business practices that hindered competition and promote fair competition in the marketplace.

Test your knowledge about trusts and monopolies with this quiz! Learn about how trusts control production and distribution, the problems they pose, and how monopolies develop from trusts. Challenge yourself and become an expert on these economic concepts.