A Companion to the Gilded Age and Progressive Era

"Characterized by social upheavals, rapid industrialization, and unprecedented economic growth, the long Gilded Age and Progressive Era represents one of the most fascinating and instructive times in American history. [This book] presents a collection of new historiographic and historical essays covering the years between 1877 and 1920, a period which saw the U.S. emerge from the ashes of Reconstruction to become a world power. Featuring contributions from top scholars writing in their field of expertise, the book explores this critical period of America’s past from a variety of innovative approaches and scholarly lenses: social, cultural, economic, political, diplomatic, ethnic, racial, gendered, religious, global, and ecological. It provides a multi-faceted and in-depth compendium of the rich scholarship that interprets the history and historiography of the period and assesses current work on its key themes, topics, and individuals. After providing an overview of events that paved the way to the Gilded Age in different regions of the country, chapters explore general topics relating to such themes as sexuality, race, science and technology, education, and focusing on government, legislation and the judiciary, and featuring analysis of all the period’s presidents, concluding with Woodrow Wilson. After considering the relationship between the United States and the rest of the world, the final chapters evaluate major works of and about the period and the era’s relevance today. [This book] is an essential resource that adds immeasurably to the body of knowledge about one of the most important periods of U.S. history." -- Back cover.