History may not rhyme, but sometimes it repeats itself.
I've just finished watching "The Gilded Age", an "American Experience" special on PBS. No doubt it will be broadcast again, or you can get it on demand. You really owe it to yourself to watch it.
Sometimes, a clear look at events that happened over a century ago can really shine a light on what is going on right now.
Two hours well-spent. Highly recommended.