Final answer:
In the early nineteenth century, American society was characterized by the Industrial Revolution, leading to a shift from agrarian economy to industrial economy, and a market revolution that prioritized supply, demand, and price over social ties. The era also saw westward expansion, speculative land deals, and a rise in nativism due to increased immigration.
Step-by-step explanation:
A distinguishing feature of American society in the early nineteenth century was the dramatic transformation brought about by the Industrial Revolution. This era was marked by a shift from a predominantly agrarian economy to an industrial one. With the transition from home production to factory production, the market revolution saw a change in the way Americans lived and worked. Economic relationships were no longer governed by social ties but by market forces such as supply, demand, and price. Emotional attachments which once influenced economic activities in the colonial period were replaced by the impartiality of contractual agreements.
In addition to these economic changes, society grappled with the westward expansion and the selling of public domain, which often led to speculative land deals and financial instability. Amidst this economic volatility, the period also saw the rise of new technologies, the growth of big business, and notable shifts in society's structure and norms. The growing power of corporations, a deepening divide between rich and poor, and the rise of urban areas were significant concerns and points of debate.
Furthermore, the establishment of experimental communities, inspired by a desire for social reform and greater equality, was another feature of this dynamic age. At the same time, nativism surfaced as a response to the unprecedented levels of immigration, primarily from southern and eastern Europe, which added to the cultural and religious diversity within the country. These changes led to a variety of reactions, from acceptance and adaptation to nostalgia for the past and fear of the future.