To what extent was capitalism a major aspect of American Identity from the Revolutionary Era through the Gilded Age?

In the United States of America, Capitalism, which is the economic system where the means of production and profit being generated are privately owned, have caused different economic divide among the American people.

Explanation:

The Gilded Age occurred during the nineteenth Century, in which the north and west experienced rapid economic growth. There were also the issue of abject poverty and equality among the citizens of the country, as huge number of people moved from less-economic prosperous nations to the United States and the concentration of health in certain areas became more pronounced. Many business owners were greatly influenced by the theory of survival of the fittest (Social Darwinism), which further justified the laissez-faire capitalism that was witnessed, competition and economic divide among citizens