Question

How does the gilded age compare to reconstruction as a historical period? without reconstruction, the gilded age would not have been possible because the south needed to grow more food. both periods relate best to a specific region of the nation and are generally perceived as having negative outcomes. the gilded age has a negative connotation because it halted the social progress occurring under reconstruction. each period has positive features that have been mostly ignored by contemporary writers and later historians?

Answer 1

The correct answer is both period relate best to a specific reigion of the nation and are generally perceived as having negative outcomes.

The era of Reconstruction was one when Confederate states were rejoining the Union. This was supposed to be a step forward for Americans, especially African-Americans. New rights were guaranteed to African American citizens through the 14th and 15th amendments. However, Southern state governments implemented obstacles and found legal loopholes to restrict the rights of African American citizens. This included the implementation of poll taxes, grandfather clauses, literacy tests, and Jim Crow laws.

The Gilded Age, on the other hand, was focused predominantly in the Northern states. This era of mass industrialization resulted in the development of extreme wealth for a small percentage of Americans. However, most Americans struggled to make ends meet financially. The living and working conditions of working class families were awful as shown by books such as The Jungle and How the Other Half Lives.