The Gilded Age, spanning from the 1870s to the early 1900s, is significant in American history for its rapid industrialization, economic expansion, and social change. Marked by the rise of powerful industrialists, known as "captains of industry," this era saw significant technological advancements and urbanization. However, it also exposed stark inequalities and social issues, including labor exploitation and corruption in politics. The name "Gilded Age" reflects the period's superficial glitter masking deeper societal problems. The Gilded Age laid the groundwork for labor movements and reforms, leading towards changes in government policy and the Progressive Era, as citizens advocated for social and economic reforms.