The Gilded Age, a period from approximately 1869 to 1900, was, in many respects a golden age of advancement for America. The economy boomed, wages rose, and incredible new technologies were created. At the forefront of this progress stood industrial leaders. Their investment capitals helped bolster innovation and their companies improved transportation, communication, and nearly every other aspect of life. The government was partially laissez faire but also willing to step in at times, providing land grants and other incentives, spurring growth. However, technological progress was, perhaps, the most important driver of economic growth. The Bessemer process, for example, allowed for the industrialization of high quality steel production, enabling …show more content…
Brewer argued in 1893 that a separation of wealth was natural and acceptable. A longtime judge, delivering his speech during a time when judges often favored corporations and the rights to property Brewer argued that “It is the unvarying law, that the wealth of a community will be in the hands of a few.” Brewer was strongly disposed to protect individual rights, and his speech illustrates the position of government during the gilded age. His speech could be analysed and compared to prior governments and justices to look at continuity and change: how did Brewer’s opinions compare to those of, for example, Marshall? By examining the change in the courts, the effect of industrial leaders on the government and vice versa could be discerned. A DBQ writer could also use arguments in the document to argue that industrial leaders were well within their rights to build wealth as they did and that workers had no right to complain. Brewer said “When a thousand laborers gather around a railroad track, and say to those who seek employment that they had better not, and when that advice is supplemented every little while by a terrible assault… it is a proceeding outside of the law, in defiance of the law, and in spirit and effect an attempt to strip from one that has that which of right belongs to him.” His point emphasizes instances of violent protest by workers, potentially laying the groundwork for a powerful argument that these laborers were in fact the main problem with society. If it was discontented laborers try to dissuade the public from getting certain jobs can the industrial leaders really be blamed for poverty? Conversely, the document could be used to argue that the government was complicit in much of the exploitation of the late 19th century. Brewer strongly supports the rights of business owners and is unwilling to take into account the plight of common laborers; his perspective is key to understanding the government’s approach to
Gilded age 1878-1889 was the age of fast growth of industry and immigrants in America history. The production of steel and iron rose radically than other time. In contrast, the Western resources increased such as silver,lumber, and gold. As well as the transportation also improved. Railroad develop and move goods from resources rich west to east.
The Gilded Age was a time of rapid industrialization, internal improvements, acquisition of new land, and population growth. The Civil War left the United States in a fragile state, but this time period improved the nation significantly. Cities in the east were growing rapidly and the economy needed to keep up. Major and notable corporations sprung up during this era between the 1870s and 1900s and a railroad was being built to connect and east and west coasts. This all led to the United States becoming the world’s leading industrial nation at the time.
The Gilded Age served as a critical role in shaping the American economy throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. Cities became flooded with immigrants and workers which created a pool of cheap labor. Railroads expanded, connecting the nation’s major cities and generating a nationwide marketplace. During this time, much of the rapid growth that occurred was led by inventions that were created. There was also a few who used this change to their advantage and created business empires.
“Much of the blame heaped on the captains of industry in the late 19th century is unwarranted.” (Document F). The Gilded Age was a time where the U.S. economy grew very quickly and rapidly, due to the inventive minds and entrepreneurs of that time; but it has different perspectives of opinions in history today. This era led the U.S. to its state and place in the present world, thanks to its important contributors, (who are involved in the main debate of whether they were robber barons, unethical men who yearn for money, or captains of industry, leaders who add positive ideas and methods to benefit their country.) The industrial leaders of the Gilded Age are captains of industry, worthy of some gratitude and credit for how our society’s structure
In John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath, he writes about how physical needs and governmental issues create civilization. In Henry David Thoreau’s essay, “Civil Disobedience,” he discusses the government’s control of society. In both pieces of writing, Steinbeck and Thoreau examine the ideas of how individual conscience should make the rules of government and of incorrupt people in society. Despite these similarities, the two authors express differences in their writing about unity and a governing leader. The development of the migrant people’s rules reflects John Steinbeck’s beliefs about the types of rules that should be implemented by government.
The Gilded Age was defined by many things, such as unequal wealth, political corruption, and most importantly industrialization. During this age laissez- faire capitalism, hands of government,
The Gilded Age brought America many different technological advancements such as the railroad system, kerosene, steel, and light bulbs. These advancements impacted the lives of people in America. The railroad system impacted the lives of American people by making travel much faster. Instead of the trip taking 6-7 months it can now take up to 10 days.
The Gilded Age took place in the U.S in the late 19th century, from about 1870 to 1900. It was a time of invention, and the development of many modern technologies that are still in use today. But behind the appearance of the courtly mankind wide strides toward the future of technology, and all the new amazing advancements, The Gilded Age was terrible time for all thoses that were not rich, white, men, for this time period was defined by them, for them, and it was a hellhole for everyone else in the country. Horrifyingly enough, very many similarities connect the time of The Gilded Age with today. The Gilded Age was a seemingly highly progressive period, however, underneath its shiny exterior is a much more ugly truth.
Jessica HillisMr. GillardAP US History5 January 2007Essay 16: Gilded AgeThroughout history, certain periods of time have been given certain names based on thehappenings that occurred. Many have called the period of 1865 to 1901 the “Gilded Age”, be-cause it was “shiny and pretty” on the outside but it was “rough and ugly” underneath. The term“Gilded Age” was actually coined by Mark Twain who satired the Gilded Age with a GoldenAge.
The Gilded Age lasted from 1870 to World War 1, “1900s.” The Gilded Age was a period of fast economic development, but also much social struggle. Mark Twain in the late nineteenth century founded the “Gilded” Age, which means covered with gold on the outside, but not really golden on the inside, for example, tin. This period of time was glittering on the surface but corrupt underneath. In other words, the outside looked beautiful, but the inside looked old and trashy.
Thesis : After the Civil War, America was in a post-war boom. During the 1870-1890, big business moguls, such as Rockefeller and Carnegie, create huge corporations which not only affected the economy, but also affected the political realm of America. While many may assume that during the rise of these big business helped to change the economy and politics, the real focus was on the responses formed by society, such as labor unions, increase public outcry, and political opposition groups that helped to change society. A: Economically, big business flourished during the late 1800s.
“Civil Disobedience” by Henry David Thoreau, was written in 1846 because he was enraged about being put in jail over not paying his taxes. Thoreau did not support the southern government and slavery therefore he did not feel as if he should pay taxes. He did not agree with the war with Mexico and he felt as if it would only give southern states more power and more southern “slave” states. In jail alone and having time to think, Henry David Thoreau, wrote this essay on his experiences and beliefs.
In Wealth against Commonwealth journalist Henry Demarest Lloyd discusses his opinions towards the unjust relationship between industrials and American workers in the Gilded Age. Throughout this era there are several crucial problems that confirm Lloyd’s thesis. These problems include the consequences of the second industrial revolution, the homestead strike of 1892, the effects on western miners from the industrial revolution, and the panic of 1893. Between these four milestones it is clear to see that Henry Demarest Lloyd’s thesis was true. Throughout the events of the second industrial revolution, the homestead strike of 1892, and the Panic and Depression of 1893 there are reoccurring problems such as unfair wages, unsafe working conditions
The Gilded Age, which occurred during the nineteenth century, was one of the most important periods in American history. America’s industry expanded and generated many opportunities for all people. It allowed them to build great fortunes, but also left many, such as farmers and other workers, struggling to survive. Overall, national wealth increased tremendously, but there was a divide between the rich and the poor. Industrial monopolists like Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller revolutionized business and ushered in the modern business economy, but also at times, destroyed free-market economic competition.
The impact and role that technology has in American society is ever evolving. Technology can be defined as applying knowledge to figure a way to meet human needs and wants. Many technologies have been used to alter the United States culturally and economically. Technologies like trench warfare, weapon advancements, the steel industry, electricity, the assembly line, parks, and radios have all played their role in impacting and altering American culture and bringing it up as a world power.