Question

why was the period of the late 1800s known as \the gilded age\?
the gilded age was a time of glittering wealth on display as the rich gathered together.
the california gold rush had resulted in ornate gold craftwork that was used in architecture.
a gilded thing was only shiny on its surface; beneath it was dark, worthless metal.
it was an era where the bright promise of the united states was being attained in abundance.

Explanation:

The term "Gilded Age" was coined by Mark Twain. Gilding refers to covering something with a thin layer of gold. Just as a gilded object looks shiny on the surface but has a less valuable material underneath, the Gilded Age (late 1800s in the US) had a facade of economic prosperity and glittering wealth (e.g., rich industrialists' lavish lifestyles) on the surface. However, beneath this surface, there were significant problems such as poverty, inequality, poor working conditions, and political corruption.

Answer:

C. A gilded thing was only shiny on its surface; beneath it was dark, worthless metal.