The Gilded Age
By: Eryka Harrison
What is the Gilded Age?
The Gilded Age is characterized by a greatly expanding economy and the emergence of influences in government and society. During the Gilded Age there was a rapid increase in industrialization, urbanization, the construction of railroads, technology, and the rise of big businesses.
What was Pendleton Civil Service ACt?
This act was a federal law established in 1883 that stipulated that govt. jobs should be awarded on the basis of merit. It provided the selection of govt. employees, competitive exams, rather than ties to its politicians or political affiliation. This law only applied to federal govt.jobs not to the state and local jobs.