Government's Role

Definition

During the Gilded Age, there was a significant change in the government's role as it shifted from limited involvement in regulating businesses and protecting workers' rights to more active intervention in response to public demand for reforms.

Related terms

Interstate Commerce Act: The first federal law aimed at regulating railroad rates and practices.

Sherman Antitrust Act: Legislation passed in 1890 that sought to limit monopolistic practices by large corporations.

Populist Movement: A political movement during the late 19th century that championed agrarian interests against big business and called for greater government intervention in economic affairs.