Gilded Age

Resources: 

• Background information: Gilded Age
  Gale Reference Collection provides a comprehensive overview of this transformative period in American history, examining the major social, economic, and political developments that shaped the era.

• Gilded Age and Progressive Era Reference Library
  From Gale Reference Library, this ebook offers detailed coverage of the significant social and cultural changes that occurred between 1878-1913, exploring how America transformed from a largely rural society to an industrial powerhouse.

Key Topics

• American Government in the Gilded Age
  Examines the presidential administrations, political reforms, and major legislation during this period of rapid industrialization and social change.

  • Populist Party

• Technology & Invention
  A detailed examination of the revolutionary devices, machinery, and inventions that drove industrial growth and changed everyday life during the Gilded Age

• Industry: The Automobile
  Discusses Henry Ford's revolutionary decision in 1908 to create an affordable car for the mass market, which went against the conventional wisdom of the time.

• Government and Labor
  Examines how federal and state governments responded to labor issues including strikes, unions, and workers' rights during the Gilded Age.

• Carnegie Steele Company
  Explores how Andrew Carnegie built one of the largest steel manufacturing companies in the world, revolutionizing American industry

• Child Labor
  Documents the widespread use of child workers in factories, mines, and mills, and the eventual reform movement to protect young workers

• Brooklyn Bridge
  Chronicles the construction and impact of this engineering marvel that symbolized America's industrial might

• Federal Trade Commission
  Explores the history of the Federal Trade Commission as an independent agency to prevent unfair business practices and deceptive advertising while promoting consumer protection.

• Financial Panic of 1907
  Explores the banking crisis, J.P. Morgan's intervention, and its influence on the creation of the Federal Reserve System."

• Monopolies
  Details how industrial giants created vast monopolies through trusts, holding companies, and vertical integration, leading to the Sherman Antitrust Act and the trust-busting era

• Robber Barons
  Examines the powerful industrialists and financiers who amassed enormous wealth through monopolistic practices, often at the expense of workers and competitors

• Sherman Antitrust Act
  Documents the landmark 1890 legislation that outlawed monopolistic business practices and its impact on American industry.

• Standard Oil Company
  Examines Rockefeller's powerful monopoly and its influence on American business and politics

• Statue of Liberty
  Details the creation and symbolism of this iconic monument, gifted during the height of the Gilded Age

• Westward Expansion
  Covers how railroad expansion and industrialization transformed the American frontier

Notable Figures from the Gilded Age:

• Andrew Carnegie: Steel magnate and philanthropist who embodied both the industrial success and charitable giving of the era

• Mary "Mother" Jones: Labor activist who fought for workers' rights and against child labor

• J.P. Morgan: Powerful banker and financier who dominated corporate finance and industrial consolidation, most famously saving the nation's economy during the Panic of 1907

• Washington Augustus Roebling: Chief engineer of the Brooklyn Bridge who completed the project despite developing caisson disease, directing construction for years from his bedroom window with the assistance of his wife Emily Warren Roebling

• J.D. Rockefeller: Founder of Standard Oil and the world's first billionaire, who revolutionized business organization and practices

• Mark Twain: Author and social critic who gave the era its name with his novel "The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today," using his wit and satire to expose the corruption and excess beneath America's golden surface

Who was the President of the United States During the Gilded Age?

The presidents during the Gilded Age - Hayes, Garfield, Arthur, Cleveland, and Harrison - are often called the "forgotten presidents" because they aren't well-known today. One of the biggest events from this time was when President Garfield was shot and killed in 1881.

• Chester A. Arthur

• Grover Cleveland

• James A. Garfield

• Benjamin Harrison

• Rutherford B. Hayes