Why made the Gilded Age "Gilded"?

The Gilded Age, named by Mark Twain in 1873, was the late 19th century. This phrase means that from the outside, everything looked perfectly normal and great, but what people couldn't see was the corruption. The famous "Robber Barons" that we have begun learning about were a staple of the time, as shady business practices and scandalous politic decisions took place.

Aspects of this time period that were sparkling, included the creation of a modern industrial economy. Corporations ruled business and transportation and communication were innovated. Additionally, many reforms fought against corruption like the Civil Service Act and the Sherman Antitrust Act.

This time also led to the Populist Party, which represented the interests of farmers who were burdened by debt, who wished the government would help the farmers, reduce tariffs, and introduce an income tax.

But despite these seemingly positive traits of the time, events like the forced movement of the Plains Indians onto reservations and anti-immigrant reactions. Additionally, politics went through tough times as disputes rattled the scene. Labor relations, currency, tariffs, patronage, and railroads were all highly debated between political parties as each had their own intentions. One example of one such dispute, was that over tariffs. In the election of 1888, the Republicans made tariffs their issue, and thus Benjamin Harrison won the elections because the tariff was lowered by the Congress during the presidency of President Cleveland.

Ultimately, this era contained men looking out for themselves, as America was reshaped after the Civil War into more of what it is today. Corruption and greed plagued many men high up in the federal government and corporations that were very influential over society and how everyday life went.


Source:
http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/era.cfm?eraid=9