<P> The Gilded Age was an era of rapid economic growth , especially in the North and West . As American wages were much higher than those in Europe , especially for skilled workers , the period saw an influx of millions of European immigrants . The rapid expansion of industrialization led to real wage growth of 60 % between 1860 and 1890 , spread across the ever - increasing labor force . The average annual wage per industrial worker ( including men , women , and children ) rose from $380 in 1880 to $564 in 1890 , a gain of 48 % . However , the Gilded Age was also an era of abject poverty and inequality as millions of immigrants -- many from impoverished nations -- poured into the United States , and the high concentration of wealth became more visible and contentious . </P>
<P> The Gilded Age was an era of rapid economic growth , especially in the North and West . As American wages were much higher than those in Europe , especially for skilled workers , the period saw an influx of millions of European immigrants . The rapid expansion of industrialization led to real wage growth of 60 % between 1860 and 1890 , spread across the ever - increasing labor force . The average annual wage per industrial worker ( including men , women , and children ) rose from $380 in 1880 to $564 in 1890 , a gain of 48 % . However , the Gilded Age was also an era of abject poverty and inequality as millions of immigrants -- many from impoverished nations -- poured into the United States , and the high concentration of wealth became more visible and contentious . </P>
who made up the majority of the work force during the gilded age
who made up the majority of the work force during the gilded age
skilled workers
skilled workers