Final answer:
In the late 1800s, big businesses often engaged in unfair practices, such as using their financial power to eliminate competition, leading to monopolization of industries. This conduct was one of the reasons for the implementation of antitrust laws like the Sherman Antitrust Act to ensure fair competition and prevent market abuse.
Step-by-step explanation:
The late 1800s saw the rapid growth of big businesses and the rise of monopolies. One disadvantageous practice of these corporations was engaging in unfair conduct to outcompete and often eliminate smaller competitors. This era was marked by the presence of robber barons who amassed wealth and power by controlling all aspects of production and using their financial might to buy out competition and control entire industries. These practices were later addressed by the government through antitrust legislation, such as the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890, which sought to prevent monopolization and promote fair competition.
The misuse of market power led to an economy saturated with goods and subsequent economic crises due to overproduction. These predatory tactics not only stifled competition but also came at a high cost to workers, who faced long hours and dangerous working conditions. The suppressive strategies employed by these monopolies eventually resulted in social unrest and necessitated governmental intervention to regulate and break up these large business entities and ensure fair business practices.