Following the events of the Civil War, a new era of development and success developed, known as the Gilded Age. The Gilded Age reforms sparked much debate about success or, ultimately, failure. On the surface the Golden Age showed growth and prosperity which led to the success of the Age, but digging deeper the failure of the Age can be expressed through the inequality and injustice shown in the economy as well as corruption in politics. Debate was also sparked between those who valued Social Darwinism and those who pursued reform; this debate still has great significance in the modern era as the division between social classes can be drawn from this debate. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The Gilded Era was very successful in improving and growing the economy at an excessive rate, but it also led to difficulties in society in considering reforms a failure in the long run. Over time, railroads and telephone lines extended across the nation, creating new opportunities and vast distribution of goods. Before these economic-enhancing advances were established, the United States consisted of large numbers of small farmers who faced this new exposure of an industrial environment. Many of the nation's consumers and producers became preoccupied with the idea and feeling of owning the greatest and most advanced products, while many were left with little or nothing. Those who failed to adapt to economic reforms were left at the bottom of society and struggled to survive, while an industrial and financial aristocracy lived in stately homes and indulged in enriching entertainment. The reforms expressed an improvement in the economy, but also the gap and inequality in society, while some celebrated their new wealth and others suffered for it. In addition to the economy, politics has also shown improvements. During the Gilded Age, American politics was energetic and exciting, voter participation rates were skyrocketing, and national elections were decided amid fierce competition. With this success in politics came great corruption that plagued the reforms as a failure. At the national level, an inefficient administration was ruled by Ulysses S. Grant, other areas of policy were inefficient, and influence was wielded exclusively by the wealthy. The rapidly growing wealthy held great influence over the public as the proposition that the wealthy upper class were subject to holding the majority of power was weighed in politics. At the city level, urban politics was dominated by powerful organizations that also consisted of corruption as jobs and contracts were traded for political loyalty. The politicians who ran these large organizations held an unequal share of power as well as an unequal share of the economy as most of these politicians skimmed money through the organizations. While the growing wealthy class prospered, the working class struggled against unjust labor laws, working long hours for low pay. This corruption was the result of reforms during the Gilded Age and was ultimately a failure as it caused riots and labor movements that disrupted the economy, society and exposed politicians. Aside from the debate over the success of reform failure, the Era also consisted of a debate over social Darwinism and reform, which still exists in the modern nation. During the Era, i.