What were some of the experiences that helped shape Whitman's Leaves of Grass?

Whitman's experiences working as a printer, journalist, and volunteer nurse during the Civil War, as well as his travels throughout the United States, interacting with diverse people and cultures, all influenced the themes of democracy, individualism, and the interconnectedness of humanity that are central to "Leaves of Grass." Additionally, his belief in transcendentalism and his personal struggles and relationships played a significant role in shaping the collection.