In what year was the Sherman Antitrust Act enacted?

• A. 1890
• B. 1914
• C. 1776
• D. 1865

Answer: (A)

Understanding when the Sherman Antitrust Act became law is about recalling the first federal move to regulate competition in the United States. This act was enacted in 1890, making it the earliest federal effort to curb monopolies and restraints of trade. It was passed by Congress and signed into law on July 2, 1890, during President Benjamin Harrison’s administration. The act established that certain business combinations and practices that restrain competition are illegal and laid the groundwork for enforcing anti-monopoly measures. The year 1914 is tied to the Clayton Act, which later strengthened antitrust enforcement, but it did not mark the act’s passage. The other years correspond to unrelated events (1776 is the year of independence, 1865 marks the end of the Civil War).