How did horizontal integration change the way business was done in America?

Question

A. Big corporations could control the cycle of a product from creation to sale.

B. Large companies grew larger by merging with other companies or acquiring them.

C. Big companies were not allowed to destroy their smaller competition anymore.

D. Business leaders could move into jobs of similar status where their skills were more of a fit.

Answer 1

B. Large companies grew larger by merging with other companies or acquiring them.

Horizontal integration refers to the strategy of merging with or acquiring other companies at the same level of the supply chain within an industry. This practice allowed big companies to grow larger, reduce competition, and increase their market share, ultimately changing the competitive landscape of American business. While option A also reflects some benefits of horizontal integration, option B most directly addresses the method by which horizontal integration was implemented.