The Gilded Age was characterized by a number of factors, including:
* Rapid industrialization: The United States experienced a period of unprecedented industrial growth during the Gilded Age, with the rise of new industries such as steel, railroads, and oil. This growth led to a dramatic increase in the nation's wealth and population.
* Urbanization: As a result of industrialization, many people moved from rural areas to cities in search of work. This led to the rapid growth of cities such as New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia.
* Immigration: The United States also experienced a wave of immigration during the Gilded Age, with millions of people coming from Europe and Asia. This influx of immigrants helped to fuel the nation's economic growth.
* Corruption: The Gilded Age was also a time of widespread corruption, with many politicians and businessmen taking advantage of the era's rapid growth to enrich themselves. This corruption led to a number of scandals, such as the Crédit Mobilier scandal and the Teapot Dome scandal.
* Inequality: The Gilded Age was also marked by a significant increase in inequality, with the wealthy becoming much wealthier while the poor became even poorer. This inequality led to a number of social problems, such as poverty, crime, and labor unrest.
The Gilded Age ended in the early 1900s, with the onset of the Progressive Era. The Progressive Era was a time of reform, as Americans sought to address the social problems caused by the Gilded Age.