Website
Digital History

Digital History: Empire 'S Challenge to Standard [Pdf]

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
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...
Activity
Other

Gongol.com: Clayton Anti Trust Act

For Students 9th - 10th
Brian Gongol has posted an excellent essay describing and analyzing the Clayton Anti-Trust Act.
Website
PBS

Pbs: American Experience: The Cleveland Massacre

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
The details surrounding the so-called "Cleveland Massacre," in which John D. Rockefeller bought up competitors' oil refineries, are set out here.
Primary
University of Groningen

American History: Documents: The Sherman Antitrust Act 1890

For Students 9th - 10th
Features the full text of the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890, the first Federal act that outlawed monopolistic business practices and prohibited trusts.
Article
The Washington Post

The Sherman Antitrust Act

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
Website
Digital History

Digital History: Robber Baron or Industrial Statesman [Pdf]

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
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...
Handout
US Department of State

Biographies of the Secretaries of State: John Sherman (1823 1900)

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
Website
Digital History

Digital History: Standard Oil on Trial [Pdf]

For Students 9th - 10th
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...
Website
Digital History

Digital History: John D. Rockefeller in Cleveland [Pdf]

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
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]
Graphic
Curated OER

[John D. Rockefeller]

For Students 9th - 10th
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.