During the Gilded Age, the political landscape of the United States was characterized by significant corruption and the influence of powerful industrialists and political machines. One notable event was the creation of the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) in 1887, aimed at regulating the railroads and their monopolistic practices. This was a response to public outcry against unfair pricing and practices by railroad companies, but the effectiveness of the ICC in curbing corporate power and corruption was limited.
Which of the following statements best explains the political environment surrounding the establishment of the ICC during the Gilded Age?