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Gilded Age Dbq

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The Gilded Age followed the Civil War and was a time of amazing economic growth and extreme wealth for some. The Gilded Age hit America hard; it affected labor wages, cities, and Americans' social lives. In spite of this, labor workers and others were experiencing bad working conditions and poverty. Unions, strikes and riots broke out, causing more chaos. It was a difficult time with a huge class gap that tore through the United States. Although, the Gilded Age was a period of great economic growth and some would even say it wasn't an appropriate name for the time period, it had a hidden side of a rapid increase in the rate of poverty that would create a wide class gap in America. Labor unions forming in America showed how upset workers were getting at the bad working …show more content…

Throughout the Gilded Age, Social Darwinism gained attention as a justification for the huge class gap in American society. They argued that the most capable and strongest being on top was needed for economic growth and progression. They vocalized that trying to change the wage system or revolt against the capitol would kill the economy and make them lose the progress they had imagined. Others still argued with these people, showing that there was no reason the the inequality and injustices the working class faced. William Graham Sumner, a man who believed in social Darwinism, argued that if you took away from the people who did well and gave it to the people who did not exceed in life, that it would be unacceptable and horrible. Yet he doesn't take into account the labor workers who work harder than the corporation's owners. They get paid a terrible amount and get no recognition for their work. The wealthy flaunt their luxuries and money. Social Darwinists wanted to keep the rich and the poor poor without any consideration for those who were

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