Why was Theodore Roosevelt called a Trustbuster?

A Progressive reformer, Roosevelt earned a reputation as a “trust buster” through his regulatory reforms and antitrust prosecutions. His “Square Deal” included regulation of railroad rates and pure foods and drugs; he saw it as a fair deal for both the average citizen and the businessmen.

What did being a trust buster mean?

: one who seeks to break up business trusts specifically : a federal official who prosecutes trusts under the antitrust laws.

What was ironic about Taft as trust buster?

William Howard Taft proved to be even more aggressive than Roosevelt in his use of the Sherman Act. Taft was less inclined than Roosevelt to believe in having the executive branch of the federal government regulate trust activities. …

Who was a better trust buster?

More trust prosecutions (99, in all) occurred under Taft than under Roosevelt, who was known as the “Great Trust-Buster.” The two most famous antitrust cases under the Taft Administration, Standard Oil Company of New Jersey and the American Tobacco Company, were actually begun during the Roosevelt years.

What is an example of trust busting?

One example of trust busting at the national level was the Sherman Anti-Trust Act, passed in 1890. Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft used the Sherman Anti-Trust Act to regulate or break up a number of American businesses, including Standard Oil. Ohio created its own anti-trust legislation.

How did Taft deal with trust?

Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft used the Sherman Anti-Trust Act to regulate or break up a number of American businesses, including Standard Oil. Ohio created its own anti-trust legislation. The state legislature passed the Valentine Anti-Trust Act in 1898.

Why was trust busting a good idea?

Progressive reformers believed that trusts were harmful to the nation’s economy and to consumers. By eliminating competition, trusts could charge whatever price they chose.