Due to the American Civil War, most of the writing between 1855 and 1865 focused upon themes related to the war itself and its impact on society. This period witnessed a significant shift in literary output as writers grappled with the political, social, and moral implications of the conflict. Some key themes in the writing of this time include:
1. War and Conflict: Many writers explored the experiences of soldiers, the horrors of battle, and the emotional toll of war. They depicted the physical and psychological effects of combat on individuals and communities.
2. Slavery and Freedom: The Civil War was closely tied to the issue of slavery, and writers delved into the moral implications of the institution. They examined the experiences of enslaved individuals, the quest for freedom, and the impact of emancipation.
3. Identity and Nationhood: The war raised questions about national identity and the meaning of being American. Writers explored ideas of patriotism, loyalty, and the divisions that tore the country apart.
4. Social and Political Change: The Civil War era brought about significant social and political transformations. Writers commented on issues such as women's rights, suffrage, and the changing role of government.
5. Reconstruction and Its Challenges: Following the war, the period of Reconstruction sought to rebuild the nation. Writers grappled with the challenges of integrating formerly enslaved individuals into society, addressing racial tensions, and rebuilding the South.
Prominent writers of this era, such as Walt Whitman, Herman Melville, Frederick Douglass, and Harriet Beecher Stowe, produced influential works that reflected these themes and captured the historical context of the time.