The 19th century, spanning from 1801 to 1900, was a time of great change and innovation. It saw the rise of the Industrial Revolution, which transformed economies from agriculture-based to industry-based. This period also witnessed significant advancements in technology, such as the steam engine and the telegraph, which connected people and places like never before. Socially and politically, the 19th century was marked by movements for women's rights, abolition of slavery, and nationalism. Important figures like Charles Dickens and Mark Twain emerged in literature, reflecting the complexities of society. Overall, the century laid the groundwork for the modern world we know today.