Question

Which of these BEST describes the impact the Interstate Commerce Act (1887) had on business at the end of the 19th century?
Responses
A By placing price controls on the steel industry, it made railroad companies more profitable.By placing price controls on the steel industry, it made railroad companies more profitable.
B It prevented new businesses from forming because complying with the law proved too expensive.It prevented new businesses from forming because complying with the law proved too expensive.
C It resulted in the breakup of the country's largest monopolies by the start of the 20th century.It resulted in the breakup of the country's largest monopolies by the start of the 20th century.
D While it had little immediate impact, it was the first federal law to put regulati

Answer 1

D While it had little immediate impact, it was the first federal law to put regulations on the railroads and laid the groundwork for future regulatory efforts.

The Interstate Commerce Act of 1887 was significant as it marked the first time the federal government intervened in regulating private industry, specifically the railroads, which were crucial to the economy. While its immediate impact on controlling rates and practices was limited, it established the principle that the government could regulate certain industries in the public interest.