Question

what is being criticized in this cartoon?
business consolidation (trusts)
federal tax laws
oil exploration
environmental damage

Explanation:

The cartoon titled "The Monster Monopoly" shows Standard Oil Co. as a large, controlling entity that has absorbed smaller oil companies, a bank, and a gas company. This depicts the consolidation of businesses into a powerful trust/monopoly, a common target of criticism in the Gilded Age for eliminating competition. The other options do not align with the visual of a large corporation controlling smaller related businesses.

Answer:

A. business consolidation (trusts)