What movement was initiated due to middle-class citizens' fear of unchecked power by trusts?

The antitrust movement was initiated by middle-class citizens who were increasingly concerned about the monopolistic practices and unchecked power of large corporations, known as trusts. These trusts often led to unfair business practices that stifled competition, manipulated markets, and harmed consumers. As a response, the antitrust movement sought to promote competition and protect consumers, resulting in the establishment of laws aimed at breaking up monopolies and regulating business practices. The Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890, for example, was one of the first federal acts to curtail the power of these large corporations, signaling a significant shift in government policy towards regulating the economy to safeguard public interests.

While other movements like the labor movement focused on workers' rights and the Populist movement catered primarily to farmers' economic concerns, the antitrust movement specifically targeted the economic power concentration and sought to establish fair competition in markets, making it the most relevant response to the issue of unchecked corporate power during that period.