Clayton Antitrust Act of 1914

The Robinson-Patman Act was supposed to prevent price discrimination — but consumers wanted cheap goods.

An effort is underway to restore President Wilson’s reputation as a great reformer. His best reforms were won by a mass movement, often pushing against Wilson.

Without smart regulation, price competition turns into a race to the bottom.

Until more Americans know what happened in periods such as the Gilded Age, they can’t protect themselves from those who abuse history to advance poor policy.

A short history puts contemporary anti-monopoly movements in context.