In the 19th century, American society was marked by rapid growth and change. The population expanded due to immigration and westward expansion, leading to the establishment of new states and territories. This period saw the rise of industrialization, with cities like New York and Chicago becoming major economic centers. Socially, the era was characterized by significant movements, including abolitionism and women's suffrage. The Transcendentalist movement encouraged individualism and a connection to nature. However, the society was also divided by issues such as slavery, which ultimately led to the Civil War in the 1860s.