The policies of the federal government from 1865-1900 violated laissez faire to an extent that people thought major reform of railroad land grants, interstate commerce, and antitrust activities was much needed. During the "progressive era," numerous bills were passed and constitutional amendments were made in an attempt by the government to fix America's many problems. The principals of laissez faire (document B) state that "the government who governs least, governs best." It is clear that during these years the government violated the principals of laissez faire. Government intervention at this time was inevitable, but it went too far. Their intervention was a flurry of reforms that accomplished nothing.

The first area of policy that was targeted by the government during the progressive era was the railroad land grants. Reasons for this were that the ability of mass transportation by railroad was available and congress was granting railroads land...