What were common characteristics of the Gilded Age?

The Gilded Age, spanning from the 1870s to about the 1900s, is characterized by significant economic growth accompanied by stark social disparities and political corruption. The phrase "Gilded Age," coined by Mark Twain, suggests that while wealth and industry flourished, a darker reality existed beneath the surface, including corruption, exploitation, and inequality. During this period, there were widespread instances of political graft, influence-peddling, and scandals at all levels of government. Wealth became concentrated in the hands of a few, leading to contrasting living conditions and social tensions between the wealthy elite and the working poor.

The other options reflect aspects that do not accurately describe this era. For example, a strong emphasis on agrarian society would not align with the Gilded Age's focus on industrialization and urbanization. Similarly, the period was marked by significant social strife, often leading to conflicts between classes rather than unity and cooperation. Additionally, minimal government intervention is misleading, as the government was often heavily involved in regulating the economy to favor industrialists and businesses, even if this led to corrupt practices. Thus, the emphasis on political corruption and social inequality encapsulates the defining characteristics of the Gilded Age.