Nineteenth-century American poetry emerged as a distinct literary form, reflecting the country's diverse experiences and cultural shifts. Poets like Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson explored themes of individuality, nature, and the human experience, often breaking traditional poetic forms. This period saw the rise of Romanticism, which emphasized emotion and imagination, as well as Transcendentalism, which celebrated the connection between humanity and nature. The era also witnessed the influence of the Civil War, which inspired poignant works that addressed themes of conflict and loss. Poets such as Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Edgar Allan Poe contributed to the rich tapestry of American literature, experimenting with style and subject matter, and laying the groundwork for future generations of poets.