Final answer:
In the late 1800s, the United States experienced significant economic growth with a parallel rise in inequality, as wealth and opportunity were not evenly distributed across all social classes. The promise of upward mobility was present but not commonly achieved, leading to the exacerbation of wealth disparities and the entrenchment of social division.
Step-by-step explanation:
The late 1800s in the United States saw a significant disparity in wealth and opportunity despite overall economic growth. This period was marked by rapid industrialization and the accumulation of wealth in the hands of a few. However, this prosperity was not evenly distributed, and many Americans, particularly in rural and urban poor areas, did not benefit equally. Although upward mobility was a reality for some, as depicted in the novels of Horatio Alger, it was not the norm. The economic successes of the times often hardened successful individuals against those less fortunate, and the plight of the working class remained harsh.
By the start of the 20th century, social reformers began to address the growing issue of poverty through the Progressive Movement. This era saw the birth of efforts to categorize and assist the 'deserving poor,' particularly during the Great Depression. However, the increasing inequality and the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few resulted in social tensions and concerns about the true fairness of the Capitalist system.
The South, meanwhile, experienced its own wealth imbalance driven by the cotton industry and slavery. The promise of upward mobility was largely inaccessible for millions of enslaved people, further highlighting the inequality of the time. As the nation transitioned from a rural economy to a more industrial capitalist system, the gap between rich and poor began to clearly define the struggle for an equitable share in American prosperity.