The Elkins Act, enacted in 1903, aimed to curb the practice of railroads offering rebates to favored customers. This law made it illegal for railroads to provide discounts or refunds on shipping rates, ensuring fair competition among businesses. It was a significant step in regulating the railroad industry and protecting smaller companies from unfair practices. The act was part of a broader movement during the Progressive Era to address corruption and monopolistic practices in the United States. It complemented the earlier Interstate Commerce Act of 1887, which sought to regulate railroad rates and practices, promoting fairness in interstate commerce.