During the years 1865-1901, the traumatic period following the Civil War, America underwent sweeping economic, social and political changes. Known as the Gilded Age, this era was marked by technological advances, increased immigration and the rapid urbanization of America. This dynamic period of building and rebuilding catapulted the United States into the 20th century and the modern era.America's Gilded Age, a volume in Facts On File's acclaimed Eyewitness History series, provides hundreds of firsthand accounts of the age--from memoirs, letters, speeches and newspaper accounts that illustrate how historical events appeared to those who lived through them. Among the eyewitness testimonies included are those from Jane Addams, Booker T. Washington, Theodore Roosevelt, William Jennings Bryan, Eugene V. Debs and others.In addition to the firsthand accounts, each chapter provides an introductory essay and a chronology of events. The book also includes critical documents, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1866, the Reconstruction Acts and various antitrust measures, as well as capsule biographies of more than 100 key figures. The volume's reference value is enhanced by numerous maps and charts, a bibliography, an index and 90 black-and-white photographs. Read Less