In 1890 the US passed the Sherman antitrust act.what was the purpose of this act?

The Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 was designed to combat monopolistic practices and promote fair competition in the marketplace. Its primary purpose was to prohibit business activities that restrained trade or commerce, such as monopolies, cartels, and trusts. By doing so, the Act aimed to protect consumers and ensure that no single entity could dominate a market to the detriment of others. The legislation marked a significant step in the U.S. government's efforts to regulate big business and maintain economic fairness.