When is The Gilded Age set? Timeline of the HBO historical drama, explored

HBO’s The Gilded Age is popular for its extravagant portrayal of the eponymous era of American history. The show tells the story of Bertha Russell, who moves to an affluent neighborhood with her newly rich family.

Despite being a historical drama, some of the themes presented in the series have resonated well with the audience. Meanwhile, the authentic portrayal of the bygone era has also added a unique charm to the series.

Ever since the show premiered, many fans have been wondering when The Gilded Age is set. Well, the show is set in the early 1880s, with the first season taking place in 1882. This is in accordance with the actual Gilded Age time period, which lasted from the late 1870s to the early 1900s.

When does The Gilded Age take place?

The first and second seasons of The Gilded Age take place in 1882. The third season is then set in March 1883. This was a time in America when cities were growing rapidly, rich business owners were becoming powerful, and people were divided by money and class. All of these things help shape the characters and their choices in the show.

In the series, George Russell is a businessman who makes money through railroads. He is part of the ‘new money’ crowd, i.e., people who earned their wealth and did not inherit it. In the 1880s, this kind of success was admired by some but looked down on by others.

On the other side of the street, Agnes van Rhijn and Ada Brook come from ‘old money.’ They were born into wealth and do not think people like George and his wife, Bertha, belong in high society. Bertha tries hard to be accepted by the elite, but they keep shutting her out. Hence, the show uses its period setting to comment on money, power, racism, and change.

What happened during the actual Gilded Age?

The Gilded Age was a time of dramatic transformation in the United States from the 1870s to the early 1900s. The nation shifted from a mostly farming-based economy to one driven by industry. Many people left the countryside and moved to cities to work in factories.

Railroads were built all across the country, helping people travel and making it easier to move goods. At the same time, a few rich men made loads of money by controlling big industries like oil and steel. These men were called ‘robber barons’ because they treated workers poorly while becoming very rich.

The cities also became crowded during the Gilded Age as more and more people arrived. Millions of immigrants came to the US from Europe and Asia looking for a better life. However, several people were appointed for tough jobs and faced unfair treatment, especially Black Americans, who faced racism and unfair systems like sharecropping.

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At the same time, Native Americans were forced off their land and made to live on reservations. Despite the Gilded Age seeing massive growth in business, railroads, and new inventions, it led to problems for many, as the rich got richer and the poor struggled. The masses then began to call for fairness and change in American life. Some of these concepts have been well represented in the HBO drama.

The Gilded Age is available to stream on Max.

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