Taxes, the Imperium, and You!

[MarcusIII]

yes, but not Free Market capitalism. Even Adam Smith allowed that oligopolistic behavior to the disadvantage of the consumer and the market were the norm, assuming no one could manage a monopoly.

In the USA the only monopolies actual have been because the gov't made them so. The earliest example is the rail roads. An monopoly created by the illegal actions of the US congress.

 

[Condottiere]

If you want to influence behaviour, you might need to artificially incentivize it, beyond the usual demand and supply.

As I recall, eminent domain on both sides of the planned route(s), that was given free of charge to the railroad operators.