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The Gilded Age marks a period of significant economic and industrial expansion in the United States from the 1870s to the 1890s. It was an era of technological breakthroughs, with inventions like the telephone and electric light. Industrial magnates like Rockefeller and Carnegie emerged, creating vast wealth but also deep economic inequality. The period was also known for political corruption, the rise of labor unions, and the struggle for workers' rights.
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The Second Industrial Revolution brought about advancements such as the telephone, electric light, and assembly lines in manufacturing
Steel Industry
The Bessemer process allowed for the mass production of steel, which was crucial in the construction of a vast railroad network
Settlement of the American West
The railroad network played a significant role in the movement of goods and the settlement of the American West
Despite the appearance of prosperity, the Gilded Age was also marked by stark social inequalities, political corruption, and economic disparity
Social Darwinism, promoted by thinkers like Herbert Spencer, justified social inequalities by positing that the wealthy were naturally superior
The principle of minimal government interference in economic affairs allowed for the unfettered growth of industry and the accumulation of wealth by a select few
Republican Party
The Republican Party focused on economic development and advocated for infrastructure projects, protective tariffs, and adherence to the gold standard
Democratic Party
The Democratic Party generally opposed high tariffs and advocated for states' rights, with their Southern factions enforcing segregation and disenfranchising African Americans
People's Party
The People's Party, also known as the Populists, represented the interests of farmers and laborers and called for government intervention in economic matters
The Gilded Age was marked by political corruption, including vote-buying and the manipulation of elections
The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883 aimed to reduce political corruption by implementing a merit-based system for federal employment
Industrial tycoons such as John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, and J.P. Morgan amassed enormous wealth through monopolistic practices and the exploitation of workers
The laissez-faire policies of the Gilded Age allowed for extreme concentration of wealth, with the top 1% of Americans owning nearly half of the nation's assets
The growing middle class contrasted sharply with the impoverished conditions of the working poor, who often resided in overcrowded tenements
The influx of immigrants during the Gilded Age faced discrimination and harsh labor conditions
Formation of Labor Unions
In response to poor working conditions, labor unions formed to advocate for workers' rights
Violent Suppression of Strikes
Despite their efforts, strikes such as the Homestead and Pullman strikes were met with violent suppression, highlighting the conflicts between labor and capital during this era
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Origin of 'Gilded Age' term
Coined by Twain and Warner, satirizes superficial golden appearance over societal issues.
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Technological innovations of the Second Industrial Revolution
Introduced telephone, electric light, assembly lines; spurred economic growth.
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Impact of railroads in the Gilded Age
200,000 miles of track by 1900, facilitated goods movement and West settlement.
