The impact of industry on American society during the Gilded Age was profound and multifaceted. Rapid industrialization led to urbanization, as people flocked to cities for factory jobs. This shift changed social structures, creating a class of wealthy industrialists and a large labor force, often living in poor conditions. Innovations in transportation and communication, like the railroad and telegraph, facilitated commerce and connected distant markets. However, this era also saw the rise of labor movements advocating for workers' rights, highlighting stark economic inequalities. Consequently, the Gilded Age laid the groundwork for significant social and economic changes, including reforms addressing labor rights and corporate regulation.