The Problem of Railroad Pools

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 148 views

The Interstate Commerce Act of 1887 was a significant piece of legislation passed by the United States Congress to regulate the railroad industry and promote fair competition. The act was signed into law by President Grover Cleveland on February 4, 1887. In this article, we will explore the key provisions of the act and examine which of the following options it banned.

The Problem of Railroad Pools

Prior to the passage of the Interstate Commerce Act, the railroad industry was plagued by a system of "pools" or agreements among competing railroads to fix prices and divide markets. These pools allowed railroads to collude and engage in anti-competitive practices, which led to higher prices for consumers and reduced competition. The railroad pools were a major concern for policymakers, who recognized the need for regulation to promote fair competition and protect consumers.

The Provisions of the Interstate Commerce Act

The Interstate Commerce Act of 1887 banned railroad pools and established the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC), a regulatory agency responsible for enforcing the act's provisions. The ICC was given the authority to investigate and regulate the railroad industry, including the power to set rates and regulate the practices of railroads. The act also prohibited railroads from charging unreasonable or discriminatory rates, and required them to provide accurate and transparent information about their rates and practices.

The Impact of the Interstate Commerce Act

The Interstate Commerce Act of 1887 had a significant impact on the railroad industry and the broader economy. By banning railroad pools and establishing the ICC, the act promoted fair competition and reduced the power of railroads to engage in anti-competitive practices. The act also helped to reduce prices and increase access to transportation for consumers and businesses. The ICC's regulatory authority also helped to promote transparency and accountability in the railroad industry, which led to improved safety and service standards.

Which of the Following Did the Interstate Commerce Act Ban in 1887?

Based on our analysis of the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887, it is clear that the correct answer is:

A. Railroad pools

The Interstate Commerce Act banned railroad pools, which were agreements among competing railroads to fix prices and divide markets. The act also established the ICC and prohibited railroads from engaging in anti-competitive practices, such as charging unreasonable or discriminatory rates.

Other Options

The other options are not correct because:

B. Interstate railroads: The Interstate Commerce Act did not ban interstate railroads, but rather regulated their practices and rates.
C. Steel monopolies: The Interstate Commerce Act did not address steel monopolies, which were a separate issue that was not addressed by the act.
D. Sugar-refining monopolies: The Interstate Commerce Act did not address sugar-refining monopolies, which were also a separate issue that was not addressed by the act.

Conclusion

The Interstate Commerce Act of 1887 was a landmark legislation that promoted fair competition and regulated the railroad industry. By banning railroad pools and establishing the ICC, the act helped to reduce prices, increase access to transportation, and promote transparency and accountability in the railroad industry. The act's provisions continue to shape the regulation of the railroad industry today, and its legacy serves as a model for other regulatory efforts to promote fair competition and protect consumers.

Key Takeaways

The Interstate Commerce Act of 1887 banned railroad pools and established the ICC.
The act promoted fair competition and regulated the railroad industry.
The ICC's regulatory authority helped to reduce prices, increase access to transportation, and promote transparency and accountability in the railroad industry.
The act's provisions continue to shape the regulation of the railroad industry today.

Q: What was the main purpose of the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887?

A: The main purpose of the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887 was to regulate the railroad industry and promote fair competition. The act banned railroad pools and established the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC), which was responsible for enforcing the act's provisions.

Q: What were railroad pools, and why were they a problem?

A: Railroad pools were agreements among competing railroads to fix prices and divide markets. These pools allowed railroads to collude and engage in anti-competitive practices, which led to higher prices for consumers and reduced competition. The railroad pools were a major concern for policymakers, who recognized the need for regulation to promote fair competition and protect consumers.

Q: What was the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC), and what was its role?

A: The Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) was a regulatory agency established by the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887. The ICC was responsible for enforcing the act's provisions and regulating the railroad industry. The ICC had the authority to investigate and regulate the practices of railroads, including the power to set rates and regulate the practices of railroads.

Q: What were some of the key provisions of the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887?

A: Some of the key provisions of the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887 included:

Banning railroad pools and agreements among competing railroads to fix prices and divide markets.
Establishing the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) to regulate the railroad industry.
Prohibiting railroads from charging unreasonable or discriminatory rates.
Requiring railroads to provide accurate and transparent information about their rates and practices.

Q: How did the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887 impact the railroad industry?

A: The Interstate Commerce Act of 1887 had a significant impact on the railroad industry. By banning railroad pools and establishing the ICC, the act promoted fair competition and reduced the power of railroads to engage in anti-competitive practices. The act also helped to reduce prices and increase access to transportation for consumers and businesses.

Q: What were some of the challenges faced by the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC)?

A: Some of the challenges faced by the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) included:

Dealing with the complexities of railroad regulation and the need to balance competing interests.
Enforcing the act's provisions and regulating the practices of railroads.
Dealing with the political and economic pressures that affected the railroad industry.

Q: How did the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887 contribute to the development of federal regulation?

A: The Interstate Commerce Act of 1887 was a significant milestone in the development of federal regulation. The act established the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) and gave it the authority to regulate the railroad industry. The act's provisions also set a precedent for future regulatory efforts, including the establishment of other regulatory agencies and the expansion of federal authority.

Q: What are some of the lessons that can be learned from the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887?

A: Some of the lessons that can be learned from the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887 include:

The importance of regulation in promoting fair competition and protecting consumers.
The need for regulatory agencies to balance competing interests and enforce the law.
The importance of transparency and accountability in regulatory efforts.

Conclusion

The Interstate Commerce Act of 1887 was a significant piece of legislation that regulated the railroad industry and promoted fair competition. The act's provisions continue to shape the regulation of the railroad industry today, and its legacy serves as a model for other regulatory efforts to promote fair competition and protect consumers.

Key Takeaways

The Interstate Commerce Act of 1887 banned railroad pools and established the ICC.
The act promoted fair competition and regulated the railroad industry.
The ICC's regulatory authority helped to reduce prices, increase access to transportation, and promote transparency and accountability in the railroad industry.
The act's provisions continue to shape the regulation of the railroad industry today.