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[panteno]

To what extent and for what reasons did the policies of the federal government from 1865 to 1900 violate the?
principles of laissez-faire, which advocated minimal government intervention in the ecconomy? Consider with specific refernece to antitrust activities (monopolies)

During the period from 1865-1900 in American History- the coming age of industry- is abundant of controversy regarding the economic control. Numerous private businesses and enterprises unrelentingly fought state laws in order to dominate and gain control of the economy but when unfair and monopolistic acts are apparent, the federal government was forced and obligated to intervene in private businesses and economic activities which disobeyed the Laissez-Faire. The rule of thumb which was unanimously believed among businessmen was the Laissez-Faire economics where the government should have very little or nothing to say in economic issues which this policy was abused by businesses which at the same time violated the public consumer’s rights. To some extent, the railroad grants did trespass the policy of Laissez-Faire economics by handing out land grants and monetary loans to railroad companies in order to build Railroad tracks and stimulate the nation’s economy. Another of the government’s acts of violating the Laissez-faire was the Interstate Commerce Act which limited the freedom and eliminated railroad abuses such as pools in order to benefit the public customers. The Sherman Antitrust act was passed by the Senate in order to limit monopolies and prevent trade restrictions. Freedom and independence in economics is valuable tool and aspect as long as it’s utilized properly, responsibly and does not trample over human rights.

[albanwr26]

Good job =)