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  • Essay / A Debate on Social Darwinism and Reform in the Gilded and Modern Ages

    Following the events of the Civil War, a new era of development and success evolved, known as the golden era. The reforms of the Gilded Era sparked widespread debate about their success or failure. On the surface, the Golden Age showed growth and prosperity that led to the success of the era, but digging deeper into the failure of the era can be expressed through inequality and injustice manifested in the economy as well as by corruption in politics. Debate was also sparked among those who valued Social Darwinism and those who pursued reform. This debate still holds great importance in the modern era, as the division between social classes can be drawn from it. Say no to plagiarism. Get Custom Essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get Original EssayThe golden era was very successful in improving and growing the economy at an excessive rate, but it also led to difficulties in society in evaluating long-term reforms, a failure. At this time, railroads and telephone lines were extending across the country, creating new opportunities and vast distribution of goods. Before these advances that improved the economy were established, the United States consisted of large numbers of small farmers facing this new exposure to an industrial environment. Many consumers and producers across the country became preoccupied with the idea and feeling of owning the best and most advanced products, while many were left with little or nothing. Those who could not adapt to reforms in the economy were left at the bottom of society and struggled to survive, while an industrial and financial aristocracy lived in stately homes and indulged in enriching entertainments. The reforms reflected the improvement of the economy, but also the divisions and inequalities within society, as some celebrated their new wealth while others suffered. Besides the economy, politics also showed improvement. During the Gilded Era, American politics was energetic and exciting, voter turnout rates were soaring, and national elections were held amid intense competition. This political success was accompanied by widespread corruption that cast the reforms as a failure. Nationally, there was an ineffective administration under Ulysses S. Grant, other policy areas were ineffective, and the wealthy alone held influence. The rapidly growing wealthy wielded great influence over the public, as the proposition that the upper-class wealthy held the majority of power was evaluated in politics. At the city level, urban politics was dominated by powerful organizations that were also characterized by corruption, with jobs and contracts being bartered for political loyalty. The politicians who led these large organizations held an unequal share of power as well as an unequal share of the economy, with the majority of them funneling money through the organizations. While the growing wealthy class prospered, the working class fought against unjust labor laws by working long hours at a low wage rate. This corruption was a result of the Golden Era reforms and was ultimately a failure as it caused unrest and labor movements that disrupted the economy, society and exposed politicians. In addition to the debate on the success or failure of reforms, the era.