The Gilded Age (about 1870-1900) changed the lives of American workers in big ways. This was mainly due to fast growth in industries, more people moving to cities, and big changes in how work was done.

Industrial Growth:

• The U.S. went from being mostly about farming to becoming a strong industrial nation.
• Manufacturing went up from $1.9 billion in 1870 to$13 billion by 1900.
• Key industries were steel, railroads, and textiles. These industries helped the economy grow and created millions of jobs.

Labor Conditions:

• Workers often had to deal with tough conditions. Many worked more than 60 hours a week, and their jobs were often dangerous.
• In 1900, around 2 million children were working, often in unsafe jobs for very low pay. This showed how workers were being taken advantage of.

Wages:

• Most industrial workers didn't earn much. Some made less than $200 a year. A report from 1900 said steel workers made about$1.50 a day.
• Even though wages did go up over time, prices for everyday things also went up faster than many workers’ earnings, which kept a lot of them in poverty.

Labor Movements:

• The tough working conditions led to the rise of labor unions. Groups like the National Labor Union, started in 1866, and the Knights of Labor, formed in 1869, worked to improve workers' rights.
• Strikes became more common. Important events like the Haymarket Affair in 1886 and the Pullman Strike in 1894 showed how workers were unhappy and wanted change.

Conclusion: In summary, the Gilded Age changed the American workforce dramatically. It created a big gap between the rich and the working poor, setting the stage for future changes in labor laws and workers' rights.