Final answer:
The Gilded Age was characterized by economic growth, political reform, industrialization, and new social structures, making the answer to the question 'd) All of the above.'
Step-by-step explanation:
The Gilded Age is a period in U.S. history which spanned from 1870 to around 1900. This era is known for its rapid economic growth, expansion of industries, and significant changes in social and political structures. Specifically, the Gilded Age was marked by:
- New policies dealing with running local politics,
- Rising of new social structures,
- Growth of industrialization which shifted America from an agrarian economy to an industrial economy,
- Increased urbanization due to the expansion of the railroad and telegraph systems.
The phrase 'Gilded Age' was coined by Mark Twain, who with Charles Dudley Warner, satirized the era's greed and corruption. Historians note that although this period witnessed significant growth and prosperity, it was also characterized by vast economic inequalities and widespread corruption within politics and industry, as politicians and industrialists wielded considerable power and influence. However, the term can oversimplify the period, which also saw improvements in living standards and the onset of grassroots movements advocating for reform and greater democracy.