There are two types of monopolies, organic and inorganic.

Probably no better example of an organic monopoly exists than that of Alcoa aluminum which was charged under the ridiculous Sherman Act in 1945.

The government's investigation turned up not one shred of evidence that Alcoa had engaged in an predatory practices.

Instead the cause of their monopoly was attributed to constant innovation and reduction of prices. By serving their customers thus others were discouraged from entering the aluminum market.

And who was the primary beneficiary of Alcoa's practices? That's right, consumers.

Inorganic monopolies are brought about when the government colludes with a business enterprise to stifle competition through the use of taxes and regulation. 

And who are the primary beneficiaries of such practices? That's right, big business and their government cronies, and all at the expense of consumers.