What were the advantages and disadvantages of consolidation?

consolidation of what?

advantages: train tracks became the same guage, so trains could go long distances. It was much easier to ship long distances. Large railroads had the financial means to build new railroads.

disadvantages: loss of competition, and fixed rates, and all the bad things with monopolies.

After the civil war, railroads consolidated as large railroads companies took over the smaller ones.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of consolidation?

Thank You! :)

ps --- I looked in my book before I post this question and it didn't explain much... all it talked about was Cornelius Vanderbilt.

ghg

advantage- control nation rail traffic

i came here for answers and found nothing mate....