The Golden Age The Golden Age was a time of industrialization full of invention. This era occurred a few decades after the Civil War. This was in the late 1800s. This era, in my opinion, was literally the beginning of America itself. After gaining independence, America was eager to start as a new country in the world. The United States of America had just established a government with its own constitution. The Gilded Age is known for its many inventions that helped shape America today. Many things that people often used were soon replaced by modern and latest technology. Jobs and the skills needed for jobs required less effort thanks to great inventions. This era was the era in which electricity was invented. This is already a huge achievement. The era also ushered in the growth of railroads for transportation. Before, Northerners and Southerners couldn't even agree on a major railroad and the direction it would go. Now Americans no longer have to worry about the issue. Of course, along with rapid growth and industrialization, the population also reached its peak. Not only did people live in urban places like the north, but they were also densely populated (the north). An important factor arising from this era was also the emergence of a national market! This was huge because international trade was made easier and shipping became cheaper. At the time, this was a big improvement! Some of the greatest inventions included the Bessemer process, the telephone, the sewing machine, the typewriter, the oil well, and electricity. The Bessemer process was basically a process where they made steel much faster. What was produced in a day in a steel mill, could be produced in about fifteen minutes using the Bessemer pro... medium of paper...better working hours, conditions and pay. Samuel Gompers was an individual who fought for workers' rights. In my opinion, this era had to happen for America to be where we are. This era was different because it was the beginning of America. It's a bit like when a baby starts walking or talking. America was the baby starting to walk/talk. We have transformed from “little old America” to the United States of America. This made us significant in history because it demonstrated how much we have progressed in such a short time. With events came problems, but America proved that we could overcome them. With the passage of the legislation, everything was resolved. That era influenced future eras, because it led to other problems and solutions including the Great Depression and many others. Everything happens for a reason and, in my opinion, this was a great era that needed to happen in our great country.