19th Century American Politics

19th-century American politics was a dynamic arena characterized by the rivalry between the Democratic and Whig parties, later replaced by the Republicans. Key issues included states' rights, economic policy, and territorial expansion, such as Manifest Destiny. The period saw heightened tensions over slavery, leading to sectional divisions. Political battles often reflected regional interests, with conflicts culminating in the Civil War (1861–1865). Post-war, Reconstruction and industrialization reshaped political priorities. The era was marked by evolving political allegiances, debates over federal authority, and efforts to integrate diverse regional identities into a unified nation.