Break the Trusts

This worksheet helps students in Grades 6, 7, and 8 build critical thinking, persuasive reasoning, historical analysis, and evidence-based writing skills by examining monopolies during the Gilded Age. Through a structured pro-and-con chart, learners analyze arguments for and against government regulation of big business, then respond to debate-preparation questions in complete sentences using historical evidence and clear reasoning.

Learning Goals

• Monopolies & Antitrust (Grades 6-8) – Understand how large corporations gained power and why antitrust movements emerged
• Argument Development – Generate and organize multiple arguments and counterarguments
• Economic & Civic Reasoning – Analyze the role of government regulation in shaping markets and fairness
• Evidence-Based Writing – Support positions with historical facts and logical explanations

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource – Designed by educators to align with middle school social studies and ELA standards
• Pro-and-Con Organizer – Helps students clearly structure opposing viewpoints
• Debate-Ready Questions – Prepares learners for discussions, debates, or argumentative essays
• Flexible Use – Effective for classwork, small groups, assessments, or homeschool instruction
• Supports Higher-Order Thinking – Encourages evaluation, justification, and perspective-taking

This Break the Trusts worksheet helps students move beyond memorization to thoughtfully examine the debate over monopolies and government regulation during the Gilded Age. By developing arguments on both sides and defending a position with evidence, learners strengthen historical understanding, persuasive writing, and civic awareness. It’s a no-prep, engaging resource for classroom and homeschool settings focused on meaningful analysis of economic policy and reform.

This worksheet is part of our Industrialization and the Gilded Age Worksheets collection.