In what ways did the writers of the mid-1800s demonstrate the american spirit of the times?

American writers of the mid-1800s demonstrated the American spirit of the times by developing a writing style that reflected American optimism and energy. Their works were inspired by their nationalism and an optimistic belief in the possibility of improving themselves and society.

The mid-1800s was the beginning of TRANSCENDENTALISM. Transcendentalists writers are inspired to write about humans pursuit for beauty, goodness, and truth within their own selves. They are driven to urge their readers to pursue a close link with nature and live simply. 

Americans were urged to better themselves through their own values and principles which in the long run will affect and improve society.

explanation: we can only guess at how our actions may be perceived in the future. doing something really big like killing lots of people, saving lots of people, affecting the lives of lots of people is a sure fire way of being remembered in historical records. we can also make a difference in the history records by being a small influence on something bigger, whether that is as a civil servant, scientist or artist.

of course you could argue that we all affect history just as tiny cogs in a   bigger machine.

if you mean how do people influence our opinions of things which have already happened, then simply by writing a book which looks at things form a different perspective and trying to convince people that this perspective is more accurate or truthful. people do it all the time i.e. richard the third was a terrible or was he? plenty would disagree, it's just that their views aren't the most widely known.n:

regarding the law, the 15th amendment was specifically designed thinking in the rights of black free men.

even though ratified on february 3, 1870, the promise of the 15th amendment would not be fully applied for a long time.poll taxes and literacy tests would allow southern states disenfranchise african americans. only in 1965 the voting rights for african americans would be actually able to vote in the south.

in 1965, president johnson signed the voting rights act, which aimed to overcome legal barriers that prevented african americans from voting as it was guaranteed by the 15th amendment to the u.s. constitution.