Gilded Age Essay

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