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Laissez-faire DBQ


            The idea of laissez faire was not followed to tightly during the times of 1865-1900. The government's influence surrounded the issue of railroad land grants. Likewise, the control of interstate commerce belonged closely to the government. Finally, the government really became involved in the dealing with antitrust activities. Although, laissez-faire seemed to be an excellent way to aid the economy, between 1865 and 1900 many of the federal government policies violated the principles of laissez-faire.
             The railroad companies were becoming a very successful business during the 1865-1900 time period. Much of their success was attributed to the laissez-faire economic system. However, there were numerous accounts of the government acting in the railroad industry, trying to limit certain aspects of the companies, directly contradicting the laissez-faire idea. Document E is an example of this, where they try to set a price for the railroad industry, by calling for a "fair rate". Although this is not a clear-cut standard set for the industry, it is still a standard. Document G is another instance of such violations. It goes into detail, exposing the bonds, grants, and money distributed by the government to various railroad companies, resulting in the citizens having to pay higher taxes. Document D is a data presentation of the mass amounts of land granted to the railroad companies by the government, totaling 131.5 million acres. Finally, Document I shows the violations of laissez-faire. It explains that the railroad companies did not follow laws regulated by the government, but instead ignored them. As you can see, the idea of laissez-faire was not as closely followed as intended.
             Interstate commerce has an overwhelming role in the basis of our nations economy. Between 1865 and 1900, the government tried to stress its control and influence upon the commerce by establishing many rules and regulations for the industry to follow.


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