What significant social issues emerged during the Gilded Age despite technological advancements?

During the Gilded Age, a period of rapid economic growth and industrialization in the United States from the 1870s to about 1900, significant social issues arose alongside remarkable technological advancements. Poverty and political corruption were particularly prevalent during this time.

The Gilded Age was marked by stark economic disparities, where the wealth generated by industrialization was concentrated in the hands of a few, leaving vast segments of the population in poverty. Many workers faced poor living and working conditions, even as industries flourished. This inequality led to a public outcry for reforms aimed at addressing poverty and improving the welfare of common people.

Additionally, political corruption was rampant during the Gilded Age. Many politicians and businessmen engaged in unethical practices, such as bribery and graft, undermining public trust in government. This corruption often manifested in the form of patronage systems, where political leaders rewarded supporters with government jobs and contracts, rather than advocating for necessary reforms to tackle the social issues of the time.

These twin challenges of poverty and political corruption were significant social issues that prompted movements for reform, labor rights, and greater political accountability, laying the groundwork for the Progressive Era that followed in the early 20th century.