Writing an Introduction Was the turn of the 20th century in the United States truly a Gilded Age? Writing an Introduction

Essential Question: Was the turn of the 20th century truly a Gilded Age? The Gilded Age is also a time of unprecedented technological advancement and economic growth: Key Points that could be present in your introduction: First: be sure to introduce key terms from the question: gilded and Gilded Age (remember: the turn of the 20th century is the year 1900) America's economy grew by more than 400% between 1860 and 1900 Technological advances, expanding population, improved transportation, financial innovation, and new business practices combined to fuel this economic growth On farms, steam tractors, mechanical reapers, harvesters and combines all greatly increased agricultural productivity. The process of steelmaking was greatly improved which created a construction boom of sorts, helping to build skyscrapers, ships and railways. Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone and Thomas Edison’s work with electricity lit homes and powered factories. Electricity also spurred on other manufacturing: refrigeration, washing machines, etc. The Ford Model T, one of the most popular early automobiles, began being produced in 1908 (for less than $500) Laissez faire ideology called for little or no government regulation of economic affairs. "Titans of Industry" like John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, and J.P. Morgan were then allowed by the government to build monopolies that helped them become extravagantly wealthy. Unskilled urban workers did not share in economic gains, instead enduring great poverty, struggling on an average of 16 cents a day wages and living in slums and tenement housing. (which then leads you into your claim) The turn of the 20th century in the United States was truly a Gilded Age.