Essay On The Gilded Age

After the Civil War, America went through a period of considerable change known as the Gilded Age. The name was coined by Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner, who were “struck by what they saw as the rampant greed and speculative frenzy of the marketplace, and the corruption pervading national politics” (Editorial Team, 2008). Between 1868 and 1901, the nation cast aside its rural beginnings in exchange for a modern urban culture. Great industries arose throughout the states, ushering in a new era of business. However, though the country was making leaps and bounds in manufacturing, many of the politicians of the time were corrupt and ineffective. The demand for manufactured goods during the war gave America’s economy a much needed boost. In addition to war wares, the United States also took great strides in the fabrication of steel and harnessed steam and electric power (U.S. Department of State. 2009). Not only had production levels increased, but the interest in scientific advancement rose as well. “In the years before 1860, 36,000 patents were granted; in the next 30 years, 440,000 patents were issued, and in the first quarter of the 20th century, the number reached

These individuals effect on society is debated. Some view them as cold-hearted “robber barons” that dominate the economy for personal gain. John D. Rockefeller, owner of the Standard Oil Company, for example, is known for his harsh business tactics and use of horizontal integration to acquire a monopoly over the industry. Others see them as generous philanthropists. For instance, Andrew Carnegie, the owner of U.S. Steel Corporation, though extremely rich, was incredibly charitable and often donated his wealth to public institutions. Carnegie even went so far as to publish a book on the matter, The Gospel of Wealth, which encourage other successful individuals to take up