The years after the American Civil War have been characterized by Mark Twain and others as "The Gilded Age." Generally, historians have emphasized the decline of human values, the low state of public morality, greed, corruption and crass materialism. Do you feel this characterization presents an accurate overall picture of the years 1865- 1890?

If so, what caused this marked departure from the past in a nation with such strong religious and moral cultural traditions? Use the documents below and your knowledge of United States history during the period to compose your answer.