Early to Mid-19th Century America

Definition

Early to Mid-19th Century America refers to a transformative period in United States history, characterized by rapid industrialization, westward expansion, and the emergence of distinct cultural movements. This era saw the development of a national identity shaped by various factors, including the rise of reform movements, the influence of Romanticism, and the growth of American literature and art.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Industrial Revolution began influencing America in the early 1800s, leading to the rise of factories and urbanization as people moved from rural areas to cities for work.
2. The period was marked by significant westward expansion, with events like the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 and the California Gold Rush in 1849 driving settlers to new territories.
3. Cultural movements such as Romanticism and Transcendentalism emerged, promoting themes of nature, individuality, and emotional expression in literature and art.
4. The Second Great Awakening led to a surge in religious fervor and inspired many social reform movements, including abolitionism, women's rights, and temperance.
5. By the mid-19th century, regional tensions over slavery intensified, contributing to sectional divisions that would later lead to the Civil War.

Review Questions

• How did the Industrial Revolution impact American society during the early to mid-19th century?
  • The Industrial Revolution dramatically transformed American society by shifting labor from agriculture to manufacturing. As factories emerged in urban areas, people flocked from rural settings seeking jobs. This movement contributed to rapid urbanization and altered family dynamics, as many individuals worked long hours in often unsafe conditions. Additionally, it spurred technological advancements that improved transportation and communication, which reshaped economic structures and lifestyles across the nation.
• Discuss the role of the Second Great Awakening in shaping American culture during this period.
  • The Second Great Awakening played a crucial role in shaping American culture by revitalizing religious enthusiasm and promoting social reforms. This movement encouraged individuals to seek personal connections with God, leading to increased church attendance and the founding of new denominations. The awakening also inspired various reform movements aimed at addressing social issues such as slavery, women's rights, and education. By fostering a sense of community and purpose among believers, it significantly influenced American identity and social values during this time.
• Evaluate how Manifest Destiny influenced American policies and actions toward Native Americans during the early to mid-19th century.
  • Manifest Destiny fundamentally influenced American policies and actions toward Native Americans by legitimizing territorial expansion at their expense. The belief that it was America's divine right to expand across North America led to aggressive policies like forced removal from ancestral lands. This ideology justified events such as the Trail of Tears, where thousands of Native Americans were forcibly relocated from their homes. As settlers moved westward under this belief, it resulted in violent conflicts and significant loss of life among Indigenous populations while reshaping the demographic landscape of America.

Related terms

Transcendentalism:

A philosophical movement that emerged in the 1830s and 1840s, emphasizing individualism, nature, and self-reliance, with key figures such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.

Second Great Awakening:

A significant religious revival movement in the early 19th century that encouraged personal piety and social reform, leading to increased participation in church activities and the promotion of various reform movements.

Manifest Destiny:

The belief in the 19th century that it was America's divine right and destiny to expand its territory across North America, which justified westward expansion and the displacement of Native Americans.