How did the Gilded Age impact labor rights in the United States?

The Gilded Age, spanning from the 1870s to the early 1900s, was characterized by significant industrial growth, technological advancement, and wealth accumulation for some. However, this era also saw severe exploitation of workers, shaping the labor rights landscape in the United States. Many workers faced long hours, low wages, and unsafe working conditions, which led to increasing discontent among the labor force.

This period highlighted the stark contrasts between the wealthy elite and the working class, and while it did spur some movements toward labor rights, the immediate impact was marked more by the struggles and harsh realities that workers faced. The exploitation experienced during this time ultimately set the stage for future labor reforms and the establishment of workers' rights, but it is essential to recognize that the Gilded Age itself primarily illustrated the challenges that laborers encountered. This context underscores why the choice that notes both rapid growth and the exploitation of workers accurately captures the complexities of labor rights during this transformative period.