The years following Reconstruction, both the Gilded Age and the Progressive Era, provided growth and development for our nation. Not only have we expanded into the industrial and technological fields, but the moral concept of the earth has finally begun to develop into something concrete and legitimate. Of course, this joyful resolution of the Progressive Era only became possible after the hardships faced in the Gilded Age. Both sources provide a clear and rational explanation of the importance of both periods. Expanding from 1870 to 1900, the Gilded Age paved the way for the Progressive Era from 1890 to 1920. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The golden age was that of tainted dreams. New concepts of wealth, communication and commerce lead to greed, vulgarity and scandalous business practices. From reading the source one can understand that this time period was responsible for the formation of modern America. We were no longer guided solely by our religious beliefs. We had conquered unknown lands and were following our morality (or lack thereof). As a nation, we have moved from minimal production to thriving societies and industrial creations; for the first time the industrial economy governed the territory. To compensate for the vast placement of labor, public transportation and communication systems were created. Telephone booths and streetcars had enabled those living in the urban countryside to travel to the city's factories. The introduction of a management-worker relationship provided smoother business operations. However, discrimination has torn urban life apart. It was obvious that the richer ones had advantages over the government. Not only did money run the government, but financial capitalism and bossism provided protection to people aware of these “loopholes.” These people included: Jay Gould, Cornelius Vanderbelt, Andrew Carnegie, and probably most notable, John D. Rockefeller. Milked like cattle, the Presidency was forced to discourage these industrial giants. The Civil Service Act, the Interstate Commerce Act, and the Sherman Antitrust Act, among other reforms, were created to control government corruption. Individuals could no longer be reported or elected internally, candidates had to participate in polls and contests. At the opposite end of the social spectrum, citizens were also experiencing times of turbulence. Social Darwinism was a growing trend among citizens, with its laissez-faire ideals and profile of superiority; policies regarding immigration, imperialism and public health have been inserted into the toxic string of pre-existing tensions. Workers' revolts, racial attacks and general discontent overwhelmed the population. While steel finance was booming, competition among farmers became political as Populist party membership increased. The goals of such organizations reflected the average worker: wanting higher pay, lower rates, and more money in circulation. The Golden Age saw massive and rapid growth in many respects. The document introduces readers to new developments in science and technology and the importance of social and economic wealth. The mass execution of corruption kicked off years of fascination with forward-thinking movements that continued to blossom from the filth of the recent past. The Progressive Era leads to social growth and personal well-being. Our first progressive president, Theodore Roosevelt, created a great many movements. His support for equality has;.