2. Identify Supporting Details Why did the public begin to lose faith in the government
   during the Gilded Age? Support your ideas with evidence from the text.

Corruption and Scandals: The Gilded Age was marked by widespread political corruption. High-profile scandals, such as the Credit Mobilier scandal and the Whiskey Ring, revealed how government officials were often involved in bribery and fraud. These events eroded public trust as citizens saw their leaders prioritizing personal gain over the public good.

Economic Inequality: The era was characterized by significant economic disparity, with a small number of wealthy industrialists amassing great fortunes while many workers faced poor working conditions and low wages. This stark contrast led to disillusionment with a government that seemed to favor the interests of the wealthy elite over the needs of the average citizen.

Lack of Regulation: The government’s hands-off approach to business, known as laissez-faire economics, allowed monopolies and trusts to flourish. This lack of regulation contributed to unfair business practices and exploitation of workers, leading the public to feel that the government was not acting in their best interests.

Political Machines: The rise of political machines, such as Tammany Hall in New York City, demonstrated how local governments could be controlled by corrupt organizations that engaged in patronage and vote-buying. This further alienated citizens who felt their votes and voices were being manipulated.

Social Unrest: The period saw significant labor strikes and protests, such as the Haymarket Affair and the Pullman Strike, which highlighted the struggles of workers against oppressive conditions. The government’s often violent responses to these movements led to a perception that it was more concerned with maintaining order for businesses than protecting the rights of workers.