What was one of the social problems hidden during the Gilded Age?

• A. Low wages for factory workers
• B. High poverty and crime rates
• C. Lack of immigration
• D. Absence of technological advancement

Answer: (B)

The period known as the Gilded Age, which spanned from the 1870s to about 1900, was marked by significant economic growth and industrialization in the United States. However, beneath this facade of prosperity were numerous social issues, particularly high poverty and crime rates.

During this era, rapid urbanization led to overcrowded cities where many people lived in substandard conditions. A significant influx of immigrants seeking better opportunities contributed to the burgeoning population, but it also resulted in high unemployment and fierce competition for low-paying jobs. As the economy boomed, the fruits of that prosperity were distributed unevenly, leaving a large segment of the population in poverty.

Accompanying the rise in poverty were increased crime rates. Many individuals, faced with desperate circumstances, turned to illegal activities as a means of survival. Additionally, social discontent and upheaval led to strikes and civil unrest, often resulting in violence.

This juxtaposition of wealth and destitution is why high poverty and crime rates are recognized as one of the social problems lurking beneath the shiny surface of the Gilded Age. Thus, this answer captures a critical aspect of the societal challenges that existed during this transformative period in U.S. history.