How far did capitalism win out over democracy during the gilded age?

The capitalism won over democracy during the gilded age by far and one example is that powerful people that had in their hands the economic future of thousands of people they took decisions that benefitted majorly themselves and not the others. And of course, the life style of powerful people was getting better thant the rest of the population and as capitalism is based on the private property, the ones who could get better products and life style were only people who had the possibilities to do it.

b) the confederacy had to pay all union war expenses.