Why did railroad leaders consolidate their lines in the 1880s?

Question

(1 point)
Responses

to reduce competition and increase efficiency
to reduce competition and increase efficiency

to keep from becoming “too big too quickly”
to keep from becoming “too big too quickly”

to ensure vertical integration
to ensure vertical integration

to increase rapid construction of railroad lines
only one pls

Answer 1

The most likely answer is to reduce competition and increase efficiency.