What characterizes the Gilded Age?

The Gilded Age, which spanned from the 1870s to the early 1900s, is characterized by rapid economic growth alongside significant social issues. This period witnessed an explosion of industrialization, with the rise of factories, railroads, and urban centers contributing to an unprecedented economic expansion. While the economy thrived, producing vast wealth for industrialists and entrepreneurs, it also exposed deep social problems, including extreme poverty, labor exploitation, and corrupt political practices.

During this time, the disparity between the wealthy elite and the working class became stark, leading to social unrest and the emergence of labor movements advocating for workers' rights and better conditions. These issues highlighted the contrast between the glittery facade of prosperity and the underlying struggles of many Americans, hence the term "Gilded" suggesting something shiny on the outside but flawed underneath. This dynamic captures the essence of the Gilded Age, making the choice reflecting rapid economic growth and significant social issues the most accurate characterization of the period.