Rebecca Edwards

Edward T. O'Donnell and Rebecca Edwards, historians specializing in the Gilded Age, delve into the parallels between the late 19th century and today. They discuss how rapid industrialization and urbanization shaped daily life and the economy. Wealth inequality, labor unrest, and political corruption are strikingly similar to current issues. Both guests ponder if we are witnessing a second Gilded Age and raise concerns about AI's potential to displace jobs, while also contemplating the need for a new Progressive Era to address these challenges.