Why were the 1890's, in America, considered a happy time (called the gay 1890's) back then, despite having a great depression in the middle of it (like from 1893 to 1896)?
I actually have a previous answer on this topic you might be interested in:
I've read on this sub that people used to be nostalgic for the 1890's during the decades that followed. What about this time were they nostalgic about? and what was the asthetic like in terms of culture and politics and business?