The Gilded Age is a term used to describe the period in American history between the 1870s and the 1890s, during which there was a rapid increase in industrialization, urbanization, and economic growth. It is called the Gilded Age because while there was a lot of wealth and prosperity on the surface, there were also a lot of underlying social, economic, and political problems. These problems included income inequality, corruption, and environmental degradation. This paper will discuss the Gilded Age and its significance in American history, and will explore questions about the differences between Robber Barons and Captains of Industry, the negative impact of the Gilded Age on the environment, and the Progressive Era that followed. During …show more content…
The book "The Gilded Age and Progressive Era: A Student Companion" by Elisabeth Israels Perry and Karen Manners Smith discusses the historical context and factors that led to the Progressive Era. These included the growth of urbanization and the emergence of a middle class that was concerned with social justice and reform. It was characterized by efforts to address the social, economic, and political problems that had arisen during the Gilded Age. The Progressive Era was marked by a number of significant reforms, including the regulation of business and industry, the expansion of voting rights, and the promotion of social welfare. These reforms were aimed at creating a more just and equitable society, and they laid the groundwork for many of the policies and programs that continue to shape American society …show more content…
The book "Comparative Perspectives on the Gilded Age and Progressive Era" by Ballard Campbell discusses the reforms that were put in place to regulate business and industry, protect workers and consumers, and promote social justice. These included the Sherman Antitrust Act, the Pure Food and Drug Act, and the creation of labor laws and unions. The Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 was one of the first major pieces of legislation aimed at breaking up monopolies and promoting fair competition. Other regulations were put in place to protect workers and consumers, such as the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 and the establishment of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Social justice was also a major focus of the Progressive Era. Women's suffrage was a key issue, and the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920 granted women the right to vote. Other social reforms included the establishment of child labor laws, the creation of public health and welfare programs, and the expansion of education
The Progressive Era The four themes exhibiting the Progressives were: Prohibition, women’s Suffrage, literal recognition of democracy through improved citizen participation in politics by exposing “political machines.”, and technological innovation/scientific inquiry. This was controversial because they believed in reforming capitalism so the extremely wealthy and politically influent constituency in America didn’t have as much power over the American public. This put them at extreme odds with corporate heads and political powers. However there are four very important amendments passed into law that were consider successful gains during the progressive era.
The Progressive era started in 1890 and lasted until 1920. It was a period of widespread social activism and political reform. The main task in this period of time was to eliminate the corruption in government. It was thought that by taking down the corrupt representatives in office, it would mean an improved and direct democracy would be established. Also during the time of the progressive era, women’s suffrage was promoted to allow women the right to vote.
Wealth, poverty, technology, decadence, the Gilded Age was a time of change and uprooting of past systems, schools of thought, and standards. It was a time of both hope and doubt for the majority of the population and brought many to be empty handed or exceedingly wealthy. The dynamic between rich and poor was shifting to a gap of wealth never before seen in the young country. The gilded age’s built up wealth disparity faded away over time. Yet today it seems that a resurgence of these features is rearing its ugly head again.
In the 1850's into the early 1900's everybody was trying to improve life through becoming consumers, mass culture, and entertainment. This time period was when the people of America really got an identity for ourselves. This time period was known as The Gilded Age. Mark Twain wrote a book in 1873 named “The Gilded Age.” Twain looked at the American society as having a rotten core but covered with gold paint, or gilded.