The 19th century in America was a time of significant change and growth. The country expanded westward, driven by the idea of Manifest Destiny, which encouraged settlers to move into new territories. This period saw the establishment of new states, the discovery of gold in places like California, and the construction of important infrastructure, such as railroads, which connected distant regions. Socially and politically, the 19th century was marked by movements for abolition and women's rights. The Civil War (1861-1865) was a pivotal event, resulting from tensions over slavery and states' rights. Following the war, the Reconstruction Era aimed to rebuild the South and integrate formerly enslaved people into society.