Urban Growth During the Gilded Age Social, Cultural,...

Rodrigo Sanchez Urban Growth during the Gilded Age: Social, Cultural, Political, and Economic Changes One of the most notable times during the late 19th century was the Gilded Age. This is a term often used to describe this time period since from the outside looking in urban life in America seemed perfect, but in reality, many citizens did not like the changes that were occurring. Since the verb gild means to cover with or as if with a thin coating of gold[1], historians often refer to this time period as â€Å"the Gilded Age†. New ideals about poverty, social reforms, different political approaches, and a new women’s culture brought forth political, economic, social, and cultural changes in urban growth during the†¦show more content†¦Different views on poverty altered urban life as well. Those who were better off economically saw poverty as a weakness. They believed the poor were poor because of a lack of work ethic and determination, this theory was known as Social Darwinis m. This theory is emphasized by Andrew Carnegie who, in his book Wealth, states that it is â€Å"much better great inequality than universal squalor† (Document A). Not only are those his thoughts about poverty, but he also finds it â€Å"essential for the future progress of the race† (Document A). This belief was shared by many successful entrepreneurs. There were, however, those who did not share this idea. There were those who believed the poor were poor due to their surroundings and the lack of opportunities they had. Such individuals include Jacob A. Riis. In his book, How the Other Half Lives, Riis says, â€Å"If it shall appear that the sufferings and the sins of the ‘other half’, and the evil they breed, are but as just punishment upon the community that gave it no other choice, it will be because that is the truth† (Document H). Riis puts the blame on the community, not on people themselves. This belief is also shared by Jane Addams, who aft er helping out a German immigrant realized that she didn’t need charity, since she had an â€Å"immense capacity†, but the service of the state’s attorney (Document J). These different views on poverty ultimately changed urban life by starting a social reform movement, which willShow MoreRelatedDuring the 19th century, America was going through an important transition. The nation was dealing1300 Words   |  6 PagesDuring the 19th century, America was going through an important transition. The nation was dealing with the aftermath of the civil war and the following reconstruction of the South. The Reconstruction period was the precursor to the period deemed the â€Å"Gilded Age†. The nation saw economic growth and the creation of the mass market. The rise of industrialization and transition to urban living were some of the defining moments of this period. However, the most defining idea of the Gilded Age is Reform:Read MoreAnalysis Of The Gilded Age1348 Words   |  6 Pagesa major text in Gilded Age historiography because Edwards encompasses social, political, and economic history, weaving them together into a cohesive narrative. Critics mention her lack of footnotes (but are quick to point out that her extensive â€Å"for further reading† sections help to balance this) and that her emphasis on cohesion may be overstated. 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The HarlemRead MoreThe American Cities During The Colonial Era2048 Words   |  9 PagesLarge amounts of people came from all over the world to the American cities during the colonial era. One of the main reasons why people migrated was because they were seeking religious freedom and better economic opportunity. In the American cities, there were more resources available to the people s uch as information that could be easily accessed, better paying jobs, high quality food supply, and transportation was provided and sometimes since the factories were located within the cities you didn’tRead MoreA SELECTION OF PAST AP U.S. FREE RESPONSE QUESTIONS:3529 Words   |  15 Pageswhat extent were those aspirations fulfilled during the seventeenth century? (83) 3. In the two decades before the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War, there was a profound shift in the way many Americans thought and felt about the British government and their colonial governments. Assess the validity of this statement in view of the political and constitutional debates of these decades. (89) 4. Throughout the colonial period, economic concerns had more to do with the settling of BritishRead MoreHistory 122 Midterm Study Questions Essay3296 Words   |  14 Pagesï » ¿CHAPTER 16 Question 1 All of the following factors contributed to explosive economic growth during the Gilded Age EXCEPT: d)   low tariffs. Question 2 By 1890, the majority of Americans: e)   worked for wages. Question 3 The second industrial revolution was marked by: d)   the acceleration of factory production and increased activity in the mining and railroad industries. Question 4 The ____________ made possible the second industrial revolution in America. b)