Gilded Age

Gilded

Gold plated; reflects the pursuit of wealth and material riches.

Extreme

Reaching a high degree; characterized by extreme wealth and extreme poverty during the Gilded Age.

Reform

To bring about change; many changes occurred during the Gilded Age including those related to immigration and economy.

Industrialization

Development in industry; industries dominated the economy, with wealthy owners at the helm.

Monopoly

The exclusive possession or control of the supply of a commodity or service; rich individuals controlled significant trade and commerce.

Labor

Work; a large segment of the population was employed during this period.

Immigration

Coming to live permanently in a foreign country; many moved to America for new opportunities during the Gilded Age.

Urbanization

The process of making an area more urban; resulted in the creation of new towns and cities.

Andrew Carnegie

A true reformer who dominated the steel industry in the U.S.

John Rockefeller

A true reformer who expanded the Standard Oil company significantly.

Cornelius Vanderbilt

A true reformer known for creating an extensive transportation network with trains.

Thomas Edison

A true reformer who invented the incandescent light bulb and the phonograph.

Edouard de Laboulaye

Not a true reformer; proposed the idea of the Statue of Liberty.

Mother Jones

A true reformer who led strikes advocating for better pay for mill and industry workers.

J.P. Morgan

A true reformer who pioneered Wall Street and influenced financial practices.