The years following Reconstruction, both the Gilded Age and the Progressive Era, brought growth and development to our nation. Not only did we expand industrially and technologically, but the moral concept of land finally began to develop into something concrete and legal. Of course, this joyous resolution of the Progressive Era only became possible after the difficulties encountered during the Gilded Age. Both sources provide a clear and rational explanation of the importance of the two periods. Spanning from 1870 to the 1900s, the Gilded Age paved the way for the Progressive Era from the 1890s to the 1920s. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay The golden age was one of tainted dreams. New concepts of wealth, communication and commerce lead to greed, vulgarity and scandalous business practices. We can understand from reading the source that this period was responsible for the formation of modern America. We were no longer motivated solely on the basis of our religious beliefs. We had conquered unknown lands and followed our own morality (or lack thereof). As a nation, we have moved from minimal production to thriving corporations and industrial creations; for the first time, the industrial economy dominated the country. To compensate for the vast placement of workers, public transportation and communication systems were created. Telephone booths and trolleys allowed people in urban areas to travel to the city's factories. The introduction of a management-employee relationship allowed for smoother business operations. Yet discrimination has ravaged urban life. It was obvious that those who were wealthier had advantages over the government. Not only did money run the government, but financial capitalism and big business offered protection to those aware of these “flaws.” These people included: Jay Gould, Cornelius Vanderbelt, Andrew Carnegie and perhaps most relevantly, John D. Rockefeller. Treated like cattle, the presidency was forced to dissuade these industrial giants. The Civil Service Act, the Interstate Commerce Act, and the Sherman Antitrust Act, among other reforms, were created to control government corruption. Individuals could no longer be referred or elected internally, candidates were required to participate in surveys and competitions. At the other end of the social spectrum, citizens were also experiencing turmoil. Social Darwinism was a growing trend among citizens, with its laissez-faire ideals and ideas of superiority; Policies affecting immigration, imperialism and public health have made it part of the toxic wave of pre-existing tensions. Worker revolts, racial attacks and general discontent swept through the population. As steel financing boomed, competition between farmers became political as the membership of the Populist Party increased. The goals of these organizations reflected the average worker: wanting higher pay, lower rates, and more money in circulation. The Gilded Age saw massive and rapid growth in many ways. The document introduces readers to new developments in science and technology as well as the importance of social/economic wealth. The massive execution of corruption led to years captivated by forward-looking movements that then blossomed from the dirt and ;.