Modernize refers to the act of updating or bringing something up to date with current standards and practices. In the context of the Gilded Age, it specifically refers to making improvements and advancements in various aspects of society.
Related terms
Industrialization: Industrialization is the process by which an economy transforms from primarily agricultural-based production to one dominated by manufacturing industries and mechanized technology.
Urbanization: Urbanization is the movement of people from rural areas into cities, resulting in the growth and expansion of urban areas.
Reform Movements: Reform movements refer to organized efforts aimed at bringing about social or political change for the betterment of society. During the Gilded Age, various reform movements emerged addressing issues such as women's suffrage, labor rights, temperance (anti-alcohol), etc.