Anti-Trust

Sherman Anti-Trust Act 1890

This forbade combinations in restraint of trade but without distinction of the "good" and "bad" trusts. It was ineffective because of its legal loopholes (for example only forbade combinations that "unreasonably" restrained trade), but was effective in its use to curb labor unions or labor combinations that were deemed to be restraining trade.

Clayton Anti-Trust Act of 1914

This act lengthened the Sherman Act's list of business practices that were deemed objectionable (like price discrimination and interlocking directorates) and benefited labor in that it sought to exempt labor and agricultural organizations from anti-trust prosecution, while still legalizing strikes and peaceful protest.