The 19th century was a time of significant political change, marked by the rise of democracy and nationalism. Many countries, especially in Europe and the Americas, saw revolutions and reforms that aimed to expand voting rights and reduce the power of monarchies. Key events included the French Revolution and the American Civil War, which shaped political ideologies and governance. During this period, political parties began to form more clearly, with movements like liberalism and socialism gaining traction. The century also witnessed the unification of nations, such as Germany and Italy, as well as the decline of empires, including the Ottoman Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire.