The President Tames the Trusts

After Wilson's persuasion, Congress passed the Federal Trade Commission Act of 1914.  This law authorized a presidentially-appointed commission to oversee industries engaged in interstate commerce, such as the meatpackers.  The commissioners were expected to crush monopolies at the source.

The Clayton Anti-Trust Act of 1914 lengthened the Sherman Act's list of business practices that were deemed objectionable.  It also sought to exempt labor and agricultural organizations from anti-trust prosecution, while legalizing strikes and peaceful picketing.  Union leader Samuel Gompers praised the act.