Which significant economic change characterized the Gilded Age?

The Gilded Age, which spanned roughly from the 1870s to around 1900, was marked by rapid industrialization, fundamentally transforming the American economy and society. During this period, the United States experienced a shift from an agrarian society to an industrial power, characterized by the growth of factories, railroads, and urban centers. This industrial boom led to significant advancements in technology and infrastructure, such as the expansion of the railroad network, which facilitated transportation and commerce on an unprecedented scale.

Rapid industrialization drove massive economic growth and created a consumer culture, resulting in the proliferation of goods and services. It also fostered the rise of major industries, including steel, oil, and textiles, along with the emergence of influential business tycoons and monopolies. This change contributed to increased employment opportunities, although it also led to challenges like labor exploitation, poor working conditions, and the rise of labor movements advocating for workers' rights.

In contrast, rural agricultural expansion, global trade decline, and increased agricultural exports do not encapsulate the defining economic shift of this era. While agriculture continued to play a role in the U.S. economy, it was the surge in industrial capabilities and urbanization that primarily characterized the Gilded Age,