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.