In the years following Reconstruction, America changed from a country of farms into a nation of growing businesses, factories, and cities. Despite these changes, the decades of the Gilded Age earned a reputation of widespread corruption in government and business, as well as the failure of the era's Presidents to resolve the persistent economic, social, and political problems facing the nation. .
The problem with Indians was solved for the time being. Enormous amounts of blood shed through battles such as Little Big Horn and Wounded Knee, left the United States in control. Few white people had remorse at all for all of this bloodshed. They were too involved in making the west into a vast land of growth. Farmers modified their farms with new technologies and bigger crops. Unfortunately, most of the farmers did not succeed with these larger crops and ended up facing a cycle of debt and poverty. Although not successful, many of these farmers died trying.
The rise of industry and business defined the period. New technologies revolutionized business, and the economy became increasingly composed of managers and shareholders. The United States built up a national marketplace connected by railways in which mass marketing and national product lines developed. Business operated largely through laissez-faire, or without government control. Supporters of this theory explained that if the government does not interfere, the strongest businesses would prevail and bring wealth to the nation as a whole. .
Farmer's groups like the Grange demanded more railroad regulation. The increasing regulation led to the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887, but later failed. Between the years of 1865-1900, there was mass immigration. A big portion of this immigration entered New York, which they later called the, "Golden Door." Many of these diverse groups were able to gain substantial political power. The immigrants were often willing to work for less pay than long-time American workers, who were trying to better their pay and working conditions.
