What were some reform proposals and major political developments during the Gilded Age?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilded_Age
During the Gilded Age (late 19th century), several reform proposals and major political developments took place in the United States. Some of the significant ones include:
1. Progressive Era Reforms: The Progressive movement aimed to address various social and economic issues during the Gilded Age. Key reform proposals included regulating big businesses, improving working conditions, expanding women's rights, advocating for prohibition, and promoting social welfare.
To explore these progressive reforms further, you can start by searching for "Progressive Era reforms" or "reforms during the Gilded Age" in reputable online sources or books. Some recommended sources include:
- "The Gilded Age and Progressive Era: A Documentary Reader" edited by Elizabeth Sanders
- "The Age of Reform" by Richard Hofstadter
2. Populist Party and Agrarian Reforms: The Populist Party emerged in the late 19th century, primarily representing farmers' interests. They advocated for reforms such as a graduated income tax, direct election of senators, the free coinage of silver, and more government regulation of railroads.
To delve deeper into the Populist Party and their proposed agrarian reforms, you can search for "Populist Party" or "agrarian reforms during the Gilded Age" in reputable sources. Some suggested readings include:
- "The Populist Vision" by Charles Postel
- "Populism: A Very Short Introduction" by Cas Mudde and Cristóbal Rovira Kaltwasser
3. Rise of Labor Unions: The Gilded Age witnessed the emergence of labor unions as workers fought for better conditions and rights. Important events during this period include the founding of the American Federation of Labor (AFL) in 1886 and the Haymarket Affair in 1886, which led to increased labor activism.
To gain a better understanding of labor unions and their significance during the Gilded Age, you can search for "labor unions during the Gilded Age" in reputable sources. Some recommended readings include:
- "From the Folks Who Brought You the Weekend: A Short, Illustrated History of Labor in the United States" by Priscilla Murolo and A.B. Chitty
- "A History of America in Ten Strikes" by Erik Loomis
Remember to critically analyze the sources you find to ensure they are reliable and well-researched. It's beneficial to consult multiple sources to get a comprehensive view of the reform proposals and major political developments during this era.