The term “Gilded Age,” coined by Mark Twain in his 1873 novel The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today, aptly describes the period in United States history from the 1870s to about 1900. This era was marked by rapid economic growth, especially in the North and West, as the nation transitioned from an agrarian society to an industrial powerhouse. Beneath the glittering surface of prosperity, however, lay deep-seated social inequalities and political corruption.
Industrial magnates, often referred to as “robber barons,” such as John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, and Cornelius Vanderbilt, amassed unprecedented wealth. Their fortunes were built on industries like oil, steel, and railroads, which expanded dramatically during this time. The workforce powering this industrial boom was bolstered by a massive influx of immigrants seeking better opportunities, leading to urbanization and the growth of cities. However, this rapid expansion also resulted in overcrowded living conditions, labor exploitation, and a stark divide between the rich and the poor. Politically, the era was characterized by patronage and graft, with figures like William “Boss” Tweed exemplifying the rampant corruption within municipal governments.
Sources and Further Reading
- Digital History – Overview of the Gilded Age
- History.com – The Gilded Age
- Britannica – Gilded Age
- PBS – The Gilded Age
- Washington University in St. Louis – Gilded Age & Progressive Era Collections