University of Groningen
American History: Documents: The Sherman Antitrust Act 1890
Features the full text of the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890, the first Federal act that outlawed monopolistic business practices and prohibited trusts.
The Washington Post
The Sherman Antitrust Act
This is a very short article, which briefly explains what a trust is and how a trust is formed. Included is a summary of the Sherman Antitrust Act, which prohibited the creation of trusts and monopolies in 1890.
![Digital History: The Supreme Court Decides [Pdf] Website](https://d15y2dacu3jp90.cloudfront.net/images/attachment_defaults/resource/large/FPO-knovation.png "Digital History: The Supreme Court Decides [Pdf] Website")
Digital History
Digital History: The Supreme Court Decides [Pdf]
An explanation of the Supreme Court decision in 1911 that broke up the monopoly of Standard Oil, charged with unreasonable restraint of trade. Read commentary that claimed that the decision did not really increase competition in the oil...
PBS
Pbs: American Experience: Rockefeller on Trial
As part of an American Experience documentary on the Rockefellers, this article describes the investigations and lawsuits against John D. Rockefeller and his Standard Oil Company because of the oil monopoly he formed.
Digital History
Digital History: Standard Oil on Trial [Pdf]
The anti-trust case against Standard Oil, based on the Sherman Antitrust Act, pitted the federal government against the largest corporation in the United States. Read the trial preparation information including the arguments of the...
US Department of State
Biographies of the Secretaries of State: John Sherman (1823 1900)
Short bio of John Sherman with details of his rise to prominence and influence on U.S. diplomacy including his work on the anti-trust act that would limit monopolies.
PBS
Pbs: American Experience: The Cleveland Massacre
The details surrounding the so-called "Cleveland Massacre," in which John D. Rockefeller bought up competitors' oil refineries, are set out here.
Digital History
Digital History: John D. Rockefeller in Cleveland [Pdf]
John D. Rockefeller was a determined (some would say ruthless) businessman, who managed to gain control of all the oil refineries in Cleveland by 1872. Read about how he expanded his business while putting others out of business. [pdf]
Digital History
Digital History: Empire 'S Challenge to Standard [Pdf]
In the era of big business and business tycoons in the late 19th century, John D. Rockefeller held a very high position. Read about how he thwarted an attempt by two railroad owners to keep Rockefeller from controlling all the oil...
Digital History
Digital History: Robber Baron or Industrial Statesman [Pdf]
John D. Rockefeller was a controversial figure in the business world of the 19th century. Read about his actions to consolidate his control of the oil refining business in all its aspects. Find arguments claiming that he was an...
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: The Era of Expansion and Reform
This resource, a speech by Woodrow Wilson to Congress on April 8, 1913, gives a great review of how the United States transformed from from a rural country to an urban one. It includes a review of industrialization, new inventions,...
Curated OER
[John D. Rockefeller]
1896, A Website for Political Cartoons traces the movement against trusts and monopolies, including excerpts from newspaper articles and speeches as well as links to political cartoons about trusts.