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Chapter 10 : The Gilded Age |
Political corruption accompanied the industrialization and urbanization of the United States. Political machines dominated most major cities, and scandals arose at every level of government. Government at all levels lacked leadership, and reform efforts met with limited success. Civil service reforms were finally enacted in 1883 with the passage of the Pendleton Act.
Society and culture changed as well. Education improved and reached more people. Local-color writers such as Mark Twain described their locales with realism and detail. Sporting events became a favorite leisure-time activity, as did vaudeville, penny newspapers, and dime novels.
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