Explain the meaning and origin of the name of the period; explain the significance of the beginning and ending (i.e., bookend) dates (years) of the period. Identify a couple/few of the main themes/motifs that characterize the period in general.

THE GILDED AGE (1865-1898)

theme/motif 1: political, social, and economic corruption

theme/motif 2: westward social expansion

DEFINE = Explain the meaning and origin of the name of the period; explain the significance of the beginning and ending (i.e., bookend) dates (years) of the period.

CHARACTERIZE = Identify a couple/few of the main themes/motifs that characterize the period in general.

EXEMPLIFY = Present numerous specific examples (i.e., events, people, etc.) that are representative of the main themes/motifs of the period. Briefly explain how each example is representative of a given theme/motif.