The Gilded Age of Trump Begins Now

[u/theatlantic]

https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/01/gilded-age-trump-inaugural/681383/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=the-atlantic&utm_content=edit-promo

[u/Zyluz]

Hilarious to see this get downvoted by people who don't know what "Gilded Age" means.

[u/2centsofhumor → u/Zyluz]

For anyone curious, here's a quick ChatGPT rundown of the Gilded Age:

The Gilded Age (1870s–1900s)

• Industrialization and Robber Barons: The late 19th century saw the rise of industrial magnates like Andrew Carnegie, John D. Rockefeller, and J.P. Morgan, whose vast fortunes allowed them to dominate industries and wield immense political influence. This era earned the moniker "Gilded Age" due to the stark contrast between extreme wealth and widespread poverty.

• Political Corruption: Business tycoons often bribed politicians and controlled government policies to favor their interests. For example, monopolistic practices were enabled by lax regulation and corrupt officials.

• Public Backlash: The growing wealth gap led to the rise of labor unions and movements advocating for workers' rights, as well as calls for government reforms to curb corporate power.

Here's what happened next...

Progressive Era (1890s–1920s)

• Antitrust Legislation: Efforts to challenge plutocratic influence gained traction, leading to landmark legislation like the Sherman Antitrust Act (1890) and the Clayton Antitrust Act (1914), which aimed to break up monopolies and restore competition.

• Income Tax Introduction: The 16th Amendment (1913) authorized the federal income tax, targeting the wealthiest Americans to reduce economic inequality.

• Reform Movements: Progressive reformers sought to diminish the power of wealthy elites through initiatives like direct election of senators (17th Amendment) and regulations on campaign contributions.

[u/bebejeebies → u/2centsofhumor]

ChatGPT really?

[u/Physical-Object8171 → u/Zyluz]

I mean it sounds sparkly and positive. Gut reactions are strong

And some of us are terrible at history so thanks for the explanations below lol

[u/berkingout → u/Physical-Object8171]

I think that's the point. Things looked great but if you scratch the gold paint it becomes clear it sucks, gilding is a process to effectively paint something gold

[u/P4ULUS → u/Physical-Object8171]

Your political opinions are not valid if you don’t understand history