How did American literature and arts begin to change in the mid-1800s?

In the mid-1800s, American literature and arts began to shift towards themes of individuality, nature, and social reform, largely influenced by the Transcendentalist movement. Writers like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau emphasized personal intuition and the beauty of the natural world, while Edgar Allan Poe explored darker psychological themes. This period also marked a rise in realism, with authors such as Mark Twain and Henry James focusing on everyday life and social issues. Overall, American artists and writers began to forge a distinct national identity, moving away from European influences.