The Progressive Era: Addressing the Major Issues of the Gilded Age

During the Gilded Age, the United States faced a series of socio-economic and political challenges that laid the groundwork for the Progressive Era. This period, spanning roughly from the 1870s to the early 1920s, witnessed significant changes in American society, with progressives at the forefront of advocating for reforms aimed at addressing the injustices of the time.

Problems of the Gilded Age

The Gilded Age saw numerous issues arise, many of which remained unaddressed or were inadequately handled by the government. The lack of regulatory agencies and the extreme disparity between the elite class and the rest of society were two major problems that initiated a series of reforms in the Progressive Era.

Exploitation of Workers

One of the most pressing issues were workers' rights. Mines, manufacturers, and railroads all subjected their workers to appalling conditions, including 12-hour workdays, dangerous environments, and the hiring of child labor to perform adult-type jobs at low wages. Railroads engaged in exorbitant freight rates, exploiting their natural monopoly in specific geographic areas. Moreover, efforts to create monopolies in crucial industries, such as petroleum, steel, sugar, and railroads, further harmed consumers by ignoring public welfare. Employment contracts that prohibited workers from joining labor unions and companies paying miners in script, forcing them to shop only at company stores added to the exploitation. High tariffs that protected American manufacturers from foreign competition only compounded the issue, as consumers faced high-prices and often shoddy products.

Economic Disparity

During the Gilded Age, the stark economic disparity between the elite class and the rest of society was a major problem. The large gap between the rich and the poor, as well as the routine acceptance of the injustice, remained unaddressed until changes were brought about during the Progressive Era. Social critics and reformers were among the few who voiced concern, but society at large remained indifferent to the inequality and the unfair economic and social systems in place.

Social Awareness and Reform

Three books vividly capture the ugly side of the Gilded Age and its social issues:

A Night to Remember by Walter Lord: This book recounts the Titanic disaster, highlighting the class divide and the social changes that the event brought about. The disaster increased social awareness and marked the end of an era of class privilege. The Proud Tower: A Portrait of the World Before the War, 1890-1914 by Barbara Tuchman: This long but engaging history provides an overview of society, culture, policies, and politics during this period. The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton: As a novel, this work offers an insider perspective on the extravagant lifestyle of the Gilded Age elite, portraying the harsh reality faced by those outside their social circle. The central character, Lily Bart, falls from her privileged position into financial and social ruin.

Another influential contribution to social awareness was the work of photojournalist Jacob Riis, who published How the Other Half Lives in 1890. Riis’s photographs exposed the squalid living conditions of impoverished New Yorkers in the city slums, drawing attention to their plight.

The Current Gilded Age

Fast forward to the present, there are echoes of the Gilded Age in the current political administration. Policies that aim to reduce taxes for the wealthy, eliminate regulatory oversight, and dismantle worker protections hint at a return to the unchecked capitalism of the past. This return to less regulation and a continuation of economic and social disparities is particularly troubling in the context of a modern America aiming to promote fairness and equity for all its citizens.

Conclusion

Addressing the issues of the Gilded Age through the lens of the Progressive Era reveals the importance of social and economic reforms. The major issues—from worker exploitation and economic disparity to the general acceptance of class divides—required significant efforts and reforms to improve conditions. The lessons learned then continue to resonate today, as we strive to ensure that no period in history is repeated, and that continued progress is made towards a fairer and more just society.