The Gilded Age

1. The Gilded Age Chapter 3, Sec. 4

2. Gilded Age • 1873 – Mark Twain and Charles Warner co-authored a novel, The Gilded Age • Historians use this term to distinguish time period 1870-1900 • Twain and Warner tried to point out, although it was a time of growth, beneath the surface there was corruption, poverty, and a huge discrepancy (difference) between rich and poor

3. Industrialization and urbanization • Caused Americans to look at society differently – new values, art, and forms of entertainment • Idea of individualism developed – anyone could rise in society (economically, socially, politically) • Horatio Alger – former minister from Massachusetts – wrote 100 novels about rags-to-riches stories

4. Social Darwinism • Introduced by Herbert Spencer • applied Darwin’s theory of evolution and natural selection to human society • Darwin’s theory • that a species that cannot adapt to the environment will eventually die out • Spencer felt that human society evolved through competition

5. Social Darwinism Continued… • Society progressed and became better because only the fittest people survived • industrial leaders agreed with Social Darwinism • Contributed to economic doctrine of laissez-faire that opposed any government programs that interfered with business • competition would eliminate those who could not adapt

6. Carnegie & Rockefeller • Embraced theory of Social Darwinism • Also believed in their responsibility to society through philanthropy

7. Change in Popular Culture • People had money to spend on entertainment and recreation • The saloon acted like a community and political center for males • Coney Island, an amusement park, attracted working class families • Watching baseball, football, and basketball became popular • In early 1880s, vaudeville became popular • Ragtime music was introduced