Which important influence did nineteenth-century railroads have on what is today's "corporate america"?
1). they stressed the benefit of competition over monopolies.
2).the use of nonstandard materials on railways set an example for other businesses.
3).they were the first to raise funds by issuing stocks and bonds.
4). they created an awareness of the importance of transportation.

They were the first to raise funds by issuing stocks and bonds.

Explanation: The 19th century railroad construction influenced today's corporate America by financing a project through the sale of stocks and bonds. The first railroad in America was constructed by using by both state and US government subsidy bonds as well as by company issued mortgage bonds.

In today corporate America, most businesses are funded by the sale of stocks and bonds

Option 1) They stressed the benefit of competition over monopolies.

Explanation: The nineteenth century witnessed the beginning of multi-state and multi-national businesses. The emergence of such businesses was partially possible because of expanding railroads. During this period, monopolies started coming to end and earning profit through competition became the new trend.

It was mainly because of the advent of railroads and railways that the organizations which were once monopolies got competitors. The healthy competition between such competitors helped them achieve growth and expand more and more. Thus, it can be said that the seeds of today's 'Corporate America' were sown by the expansion of railroads in the nineteenth century itself.