Overview The time period of the late 1800’s is referred to as the “Gilded Age” by Historians. While everything seemed shiny and golden on the outside, underneath, was a society filled with poverty, crime, and a large disparity between the rich and poor. New philosophies emerges such as “Individualism” and “Social Darwinism”. While these ideas were popular, many realized the need to change the corruption and assist people in need. The Social Gospel movement attempted to change society on biblical ideas and beliefs, other reform efforts helped develop settlement houses, public education, work training, and public libraries.
Golden or Gilded Age Mark Twains novel about corrupt politics was titled “The Gilded Age” Historians later used Twains term and applied it to the time between Was everything as great on the inside as it seemed on the outside? Gilded= Covered with gold on the outside but the inside is made of cheaper material
Beneath the Surface Gilded = Beneath surface = Corruption, poverty, crime What society seemed to be was not reality
Changing Culture America is changing fast Skyscrapers, industry, new inventions (lights, phone) Changes=new values, new art, entertainment Business men were becoming very wealthy
Department Stores Growth in cities sparked growth of retail stores High volume at low cost Woolworth’s Montgomery Wards Sears Roebuck (catalogue mail order)
Advertising Newspapers/magazines/ posters/and billboards Some ads truthful some not: - One product claimed to cure headaches and dyspepsia
Rich and Famous Rich became richer – Competition between people There was a competition between the wealthy to see who could live the grandest lifestyle This was termed ‘conspicuous consumption’
Culture Industrialization improved life People separate work & home People had excess money – movies, golf, vacation, baseball, football, basketball, and NO SOCCER!!!!! =p
Individualism Belief in Individualism Horatio Alger – Wrote over 100 “Rags to Riches” stories No matter your situation, you can go as far as your talents take you, or willing to work
Social Darwinism.. Herbert Spencer – developed “Social Darwinism” idea “Survival of the Fittest” Society progressed because only the fittest survived
Andrew Carnegie Carnegie had the theory of the “Gospel of Wealth” The rich had the duty to help others and the less fortunate They were also responsible for setting an “example of modest living” Philanthropy – Using great fortunes to further social progress
Helping the Poor Social Gospel – wanted to improve conditions in cities Wanted to apply “Christian Law” to social problems Growth in Missions, social welfare, day care, helping the poor YMCA (Young Mens Christian Assn.) Bible studies, prayer meetings, fitness activities Jane Addams = Settlement Houses (Hull houses)= Housing where middleclass, helped lower class with medical care, food, learn English Jane Addams work started The “Social Work” profession
Public Education 1870 = 6.500,000 1900 = 17,500,000 – in schools Crucial for immigrants English, History, Citizenship, American Culture Became known as Americanization Focused on the three R’s of education: reading, righting,& ’rithmatic
Women in the Workplace More opportunities for education = opportunities for women min the workforce The # of women office workers increased 2700% between
Fun Facts May 30th 1880 a boxing championship between Paddy Ryan and Joe Goss ends with Ryan’s victory….in the 87th round! October 26, 1881 Wyatt Earp, his brothers, and Doc Holliday fought a gang at the OK Corral….Tombstone! May 25th 1883 the world’s largest suspension bridge opened at the cost of $16 million and cost 26 lives and took 14 years to finish…. The Brooklyn Bridge! October 28, 1886 the Statue of Liberty is dedicated in New York Harbor August 29th 1893 Whitcomb Judson gets a patent for his ‘clasp locker’…or as we know it the zipper
Questions???