What was a major outcome of monopolies during the Gilded Age?

The emergence of monopolies during the Gilded Age significantly influenced the economic landscape and ultimately led to the introduction of antitrust laws. Monopolies, characterized by single entities dominating entire markets, resulted in reduced competition, which had various negative implications for consumers and the economy. As monopolistic practices became more pronounced, public outcry increased due to the exploitation of workers, high prices, and limited choices for consumers.

In response to these damaging effects, the government began to recognize the need to regulate such practices. This recognition led to the establishment of antitrust laws aimed at promoting competition and preventing the harmful effects of monopolies. The Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 was one of the first significant pieces of legislation addressing these concerns, marking a pivotal shift toward federal regulation in the economy. It aimed to dismantle trusts and ensure fair competition, highlighting the era's shift from laissez-faire economic policies to more interventionist approaches in industry regulation.

The other options reflect outcomes or contexts that are not as directly related to the monopolistic practices of the time. For example, while competition may have dwindled due to the rise of monopolies, the introduction of antitrust laws is a direct consequence of the monopolistic structures that emerged during the Gilded Age