The Gilded Age is known as the time between the Civil War and World War I. The term “Gilded Age” comes from Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner’s novel The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today. Twain said it was a period that was glittering on the surface but corrupt underneath. At the same time, there was an increase in industry and labor unions, as well as an inflow of immigrants. All these factors during this time influenced the social, economic, and political atmosphere of the Gilded Age. This time in history shares the social issues of labor work and immigration, but it benefitted with expanding the economy completely with new industries and agriculture, and in addition the presidents during this time had little impact and are noted …show more content…
The Presidency is to be known as the lowest influence, the presidents during the time are known as “The forgettable presidents” in which they lead America into political corruption. “Few politicians had an impact on the tremendous change transforming America” (Independence Hall Association). Throughout the 19th century presidential candidates there was an impeachment, corruption, possible fraud, assassination, and disgrace from own political party. “[...] the coming of Chinese laborers to the U.S. be, and the same is hereby, suspended[...]” (United States At Large). In the opinion of the Government of the United States, Chinese laborers were suspended of coming to America for the reason of endangering the good of certain localities. “[...] while the law may be sometimes hard for the individual, it is best for the race, because it ensures the survival of the fittest in every department” (Gospel of Wealth). Carnegie wrote the novel, presented in Document D, indicating the ways in which society pays for the law of competition. The theory “survival of the fittest” comes from Charles Darwin, describing the mechanism of natural selection. “The alarming development and aggressiveness of the power of great capitalists and corporations under the present industrial system will inevitably lead to the pauperization and hopeless degradation of the toiling masses” (Knights of Labor Constitution). Document G emphasizes on the high competition of the president candidates and the power to possess this title. Social and economic issues came into play in the debate of the parties differences and separations of