The Sherman Antitrust Act, enacted by the U.S. Congress in 1890, was the first federal statute to limit cartels and monopolies, aiming to promote fair competition for the benefit of consumers. As a result of this act, several significant developments occurred:

1. Breakup of Monopolies: One of the most notable outcomes was the dissolution of large monopolistic companies. For example, in 1911, the U.S. Supreme Court used the Sherman Act to break up the Standard Oil Company into 34 independent companies due to its monopolistic practices.
2. Increased Government Regulation: The act empowered the federal government to investigate and pursue trusts, companies, and organizations suspected of violating the act. This marked a significant shift toward federal intervention in the economy to ensure competitive markets.
3. Legal Precedent for Antitrust Enforcement: The Sherman Act established legal grounds for future antitrust actions and legislation. It served as a foundation for subsequent laws like the Clayton Antitrust Act of 1914 and the Federal Trade Commission Act of 1914, which provided more specific regulations against anti-competitive practices.
4. Promotion of Fair Competition: By outlawing monopolistic business practices, the act aimed to protect consumers and smaller businesses from unfair competition, leading to more choices in the market and better prices for consumers.