What term, first used by Mark Twain in 1873, referred to the superficial glitter of new wealth during the late 19th century?

The term "Gilded Age," coined by Mark Twain in his 1873 novel "The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today," aptly describes the period in American history from the 1870s to about the turn of the 20th century. It refers to the age of rapid economic growth, marked by significant industrial expansion, urbanization, and a stark contrast between the opulence of the wealthy and the struggles of the poor. Twain used the imagery of gilding to suggest that while the surface of society may have appeared shiny and prosperous, it actually concealed deeper issues like corruption, inequality, and social strife.

During this era, the United States experienced profound changes, including the rise of big business, the exploitation of labor, and political corruption. The term emphasizes not just the wealth generated but also the social problems that arose alongside it. This duality is crucial for understanding the complexities of the period, as the façade of prosperity often masked serious societal challenges.

The other terms provided relate to different contexts; the Progressive Era focuses on social reform movements that emerged in response to the issues of the Gilded Age. The Industrial Revolution pertains more to the technological and economic transformations preceding and leading into the Gilded Age.