GILDED AGE Meaning and
Definition
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The Gilded Age refers to a specific period of American history, spanning from the late 19th century to the turn of the 20th century, characterized by outward opulence and prosperity while underneath, there were deep-rooted social, economic, and political problems. The term "gilded" symbolizes a thin layer of gold or luxurious appearance that conceals a less appealing reality. Industrialization and urbanization were the driving forces of this era, contributing to an increase in wealth, technological advancements, and expansion of business operations.
During this time, immense wealth was accumulated by a small number of industrialists, known as the "robber barons," who invested in railroads, steel, oil, and other lucrative industries. Their extravagant lifestyle and lavish parties became synonymous with the Gilded Age. While the rich indulged in opulence, a large portion of the population faced poverty, harsh working conditions, and limited rights.
There was also a rise in political corruption, as businesses influenced policies and politicians for personal gain. This period witnessed the prevalence of political machines and patronage, as well as scandals such as the Credit Mobilier and the Tweed Ring, which demonstrated the extent of corruption within the government.
Reform movements emerged in response to the inequities of the Gilded Age, including the labor movement advocating for better working conditions, women's suffrage movements, and calls for economic and political reforms. These movements sought to address the widening wealth gap, promote social justice, and enhance democracy.
Overall, the Gilded Age was a time of stark contrasts where superficial prosperity masked underlying societal issues, leading to major socio-economic and political transformations in subsequent years.
Common Misspellings for GILDED AGE
- gilden age
- filded age
- vilded age
- bilded age
- hilded age
- yilded age
- tilded age
- gulded age
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- golded age
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- gioded age
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- gilced age
- gilfed age
Etymology of GILDED AGE
The term "Gilded Age" was coined by American writer Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner, who co-wrote a novel titled "The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today" in 1873. The term was inspired by Shakespeare's King John, where the phrase "to gild refined gold" was used to describe something that appears attractive on the outside but is worthless within.
In the context of the late 19th century United States, the term "Gilded Age" symbolizes a period of rapid economic growth and industrialization, which seemed attractive and prosperous on the surface, but was characterized by vast wealth disparities, corruption, and social problems beneath the shiny exterior. It was a time when opulent displays of wealth and excess were common among the wealthy elite, while much of the population struggled with poverty and inequality.
Similar spelling word for GILDED AGE
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