Romanticism was an artistic, literary, musical and intellectual movement that originated in Europe toward the end of the 19th century, and in most areas was at its peak in the approximate period from 1800 to 1850. Romanticism was characterized by its emphasis on emotion and individualism as well as glorification of all the past and nature, preferring the medieval rather than the classical. It was partly a reaction to the Industrial Revolution, the aristocratic social and political norms of the Age of Enlightenment, and the scientific rationalization of nature—all components of modernity. It was embodied most strongly in the visual arts, music, and literature, but had a major impact on historiography, education, the social sciences, and the natural sciences. It had a significant and complex effect on politics, with romantic thinkers influencing liberalism, radicalism, conservatism and nationalism.
American Realism differs from Romanticism in its emphasis on showing life exactly as it is, rather than sentimentalize or idealize it. While Romanticism emphasized the mysterious and imagination, American Realism authors sought to depict the real-life settings, speech patterns, and life choices of people. The Civil War influenced the shift to American Realism as authors sought to show the realities of the war and its aftermath. American Realist writers were also inspired by a shift towards scientific and rationalist ideas in society that were taking place.
