What was happening in the country during the period known as Realism?

During the period known as Realism, roughly spanning the mid-19th century to the early 20th century, the United States experienced significant social, political, and economic changes. The aftermath of the Civil War, the rise of industrialization, and urbanization led to a shift in societal values and a focus on everyday life and ordinary people. Artists and writers sought to depict reality and address social issues, moving away from romanticized portrayals to more authentic representations of life, often highlighting the struggles of the working class and the complexities of human experience. This era also coincided with growing movements for social reform, including labor rights and women's suffrage.