2. 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.

3. 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 1870 - 1900  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

4. Beneath the Surface  Gilded =  Beneath surface = Corruption, poverty, crime  What society seemed to be was not reality

5. Changing Culture  America is changing fast  Skyscrapers, industry, new inventions (lights, phone)  Changes=new values, new art, entertainment  Business men were becoming very wealthy

6. Department Stores  Growth in cities sparked growth of retail stores  High volume at low cost  Woolworth’s  Montgomery Wards  Sears Roebuck (catalogue mail order)

7. Advertising  Newspapers/magazines/ posters/and billboards  Some ads truthful some not: - One product claimed to cure headaches and dyspepsia

8. 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’

9. Culture  Industrialization improved life  People separate work & home  People had excess money – movies, golf, vacation, baseball, football, basketball, and NO SOCCER!!!!! =p

10. 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

11. Social Darwinism..  Herbert Spencer – developed “Social Darwinism” idea  “Survival of the Fittest”  Society progressed because only the fittest survived

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. Women in the Workplace  More opportunities for education = opportunities for women min the workforce  The # of women office workers increased 2700% between 1870-1900

16. 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

17. Questions???