Innovations of the Gilded Age helped usher in modern America. Urbanization and technological creativity led to many engineering advances such as bridges and canals, elevators and skyscrapers, trolley lines and subways.  But while the middle and upper classes enjoyed the allure of city life, little changed for the poor - particularly immigrants from Europe. Horrific living conditions, high crime rates and a pitiable existence lay below the gilded surface that was the American city.  This, amid rampant corruption in city politics and an era of forgotten U.S. Presidents.