17.3 Lives of the Middle Class in Gilded Age

Study Notes

Lives of the Middle Class in the Gilded Age

Middle class respectability emerged, providing comfort and social respect, differentiating this group from impoverished rural communities and factory workers.
Middle class individuals transitioned into roles as professionals and managers, marking a shift in social status.

Middle Class Life

John Lewis, an immigrant from Great Britain during the Civil War, established a grocery store, exemplifying the rise of the prosperous middle class.
Middle class families began embracing festive traditions, like Christmas tree decorating and spending on holiday items, reflecting increased disposable income.

Changes in Celebrations

Christmas celebrations evolved post-Civil War, expanding from exclusive American Protestant observances to become widely embraced by the middle class.

Urban Changes from Middle Class Growth

The burgeoning middle class spurred the construction of new urban buildings, including department stores, and initiated the City Beautiful movement, influencing city architecture and aesthetics.

City Beautiful Movement

Led by Daniel Burnham, this movement focused on designing public buildings in classical styles that resonated with middle class preferences.
Notable structures from this era include the Boston Public Library, the new Library of Congress building, and the New York Stock Exchange.

Architectural Innovations

In contrast to Burnham, Louis Sullivan sought to create architecture with simpler lines to reflect the vitality of American culture during this time.

Urban Planning and Health

Waterborne diseases like cholera proliferated due to stagnant water sources in cities, prompting urban planners to address public health issues.
New York constructed a reservoir to transport cleaner water from rural areas, improving sanitation throughout the city.

Infrastructure Developments

The New Croton Aqueduct was established to deliver water across New York neighborhoods, setting a precedent for other cities to enhance their water systems.

Suburban Growth

Railroads enabled middle class professionals to commute to urban jobs, facilitating the rise of suburban living as a new aspect of American life in the Gilded Age.

Electric Advancements

The introduction of electric lights transformed city nightlife, while electric elevators and trolleys revolutionized urban transport and building designs.

Gilded Age Religion

The term "Christian America" reflects the expanding influence of the white Protestant middle class, which saw a tripling in major Protestant denominations' memberships.

Nondenominational Organizations

Organizations like the YMCA and reform societies gained popularity, attracting many adherents and reflecting the era’s spiritual trends.

Theological Trends

Theological views shifted towards individualism and optimism, exemplified by revivalist leaders like Dwight Moody.

Dwight G. Moody

A successful businessman who dedicated himself to the YMCA, Moody led Sunday schools for impoverished immigrant children and founded the Moody Bible Institute, emphasizing social service missions.

Moody's Preaching

Moody preached a straightforward message focused on personal connection with God, avoiding divisive theological debates between liberal and literal interpretations of the Bible.

Sins According to Moody

Moody considered attending the theater, breaking the Sabbath, and atheism to be significant moral transgressions.

Moody’s Representation of Gilded Age Values

Moody embodied Gilded Age individualism and religious zeal, concentrating on personal salvation and outreach to others.

Musical Influence of Ira D. Sankey

Sankey’s music played a vital role in the revivalist movement, encouraging congregational singing that highlighted themes of individual faith and divine comfort over societal reforms.

Electoral Politics

The electoral politics between 1876 and 1896 reflected middle class interests, showcasing their growing influence in the political landscape.

Emergence of Populists

The Populist movement rose in response to the needs and concerns of the broader working population, challenging the prevailing middle class political interests.

Description

Explore the transformation of the middle class during the Gilded Age with these flashcards. Learn about their social status, lifestyle changes, and key figures like John Lewis. This quiz provides a comprehensive overview of the middle class's newfound respectability and professional roles.