Gilded Age 2.0? (Encore)

The Indicator from Planet Money explores the concept of a "second Gilded Age," drawing parallels between the late 1800s and the present day. Hosts Darian Woods and Adrian Ma, along with historians Edward T. O'Donnell and Rebecca Edwards, discuss the economic boom, technological advancements, wealth inequality, and political corruption that characterized the original Gilded Age. They examine whether current trends, such as the influence of billionaires like Elon Musk and the intertwining of money and politics, indicate that history is rhyming, if not repeating itself. The episode also touches on the Progressive Era that followed the first Gilded Age, questioning if a similar period of reform could emerge today.