Gilded Age DBQ

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Toward the end of the 19th century, the population of cities among the United States rapidly increased due to vast immigration from several countries around the globe and prominent migration from rural areas within America. Cities were seen as the gateway to connectivity and luxury as they proved, in early years, to advance lifestyles and grant citizens with greater opportunities. Although urbanization provided convenience for those seeking jobs, leisure activities, and educational advantages, it posed consequences to the public on issues surrounding poverty, disease, and corruption. The growth in cities was due largely to the fact that factory jobs became widely available. Industrialization provided those who were unskilled and inexperienced …show more content…

The Gilded Age is known for its rise in political machines and political bosses who gained control and power by a system of bribery. Bosses provided citizens and immigrants with patronage in return for a support of votes. Additionally, big business owners adopted a system of lobbying in which workers were essentially the people holding up big businesses. (Doc. I) The poor were faced with wage cuts and high rent, while, what are known today as the Robber Barons, maintained their political, social, and economic power. The gap between the rich and the poor deepened as corruption continued. Reformers and strikers rose up in an effort to change the lives of consumers, and as time progressed, the government eventually stepped in to assist with the growing concerns of machines and bosses. With corruption and poverty, also comes opportunity. The trick, as many of those who traveled to the city soon discovered, was the vastness of urban life. With such an array of opportunities came what was, and still is, known as the “dark side”. Without proper guidance, women, especially, could face consequences to urban life. Whether it be the danger of gangs, persuasive business bosses, or the lure of suspicious social opportunities, all cities held a dark side that proved to be much different from rural areas. (Doc.

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