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
to increase rapid construction of railroad lines

Answer 1

to reduce competition and increase efficiency