Why was the mid- to late-19th-century considered to be the "Age of the Middle Class"?

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The mid- to late-19th-century was considered to be the "Age of the Middle Class" because during this time, the middle class had become large enough to dictate society's values and trends.
Key Takeaway: Many historians refer to the second half of the 19th century as the "Age of the Middle Class." At the time, the very term "middle class" was relatively new, as this class did not exist prior to the Industrial Revolution. But as the century progressed, there was a new well-to-do class, filled with successful merchants and professionals. These citizens enjoyed relative wealth, with access to clean running water, servants, and even central heating. Because the class grew at such an extreme rate, department stores even began to cater directly to the middle class due to their expendable income. The middle class was actually large enough to dictate a society's values and trends.

Why Was the Mid- to Late-19th-Century Considered to Be the "Age