The 19th century was marked by significant events that shaped modern history. The Industrial Revolution began in the late 18th century and continued into the 19th, transforming economies from agrarian to industrial. This period saw the rise of factories, urbanization, and advancements in technology, such as the steam engine and telegraph. Additionally, the century was characterized by major political changes, including the American Civil War (1861-1865), which addressed issues of slavery and states' rights. The European revolutions of 1848, known as the "Springtime of Nations," sought to establish democratic reforms and national independence across the continent.