The Gilded Age

The Gilded Age, spanning from the 1870s to about 1900, was marked by rapid industrialization, economic growth, and significant social change in the United States. During this period, the nation experienced the rise of powerful industrialists, often referred to as 'captains of industry,' such as Andrew Carnegie and John D.

Rockefeller, who played pivotal roles in shaping the economy. However, this era also revealed stark contrasts, with widespread poverty, labor unrest, and political corruption. The term 'Gilded Age,' coined by Mark Twain, reflects the superficial glitter of prosperity that masked deep social issues.