Robber Baron was a term applied to businessmen who engaged in unethical practices and hogged most of the wealth for themselves. In the public mind, Robber Barons were often associated with political corruption. These people/corporations promoted Laissez Faire capitalism, which meant no government regulation of business. This would mean that they could exploit workers, engage in shady stock trading practices, and form monopolies. Since the public did not support this, the Sherman Anti-Trust Act was passed in 1890. This law did not end the Robber Barons, but rather indicated that the era of unregulated business would be coming to an end. As time passed, many acts of these people/corporations would become illegal as further legislation sought
