Beginning in the early 17th century, American authors and poets began the great shift in writing now known as the Romantic Period. This literary movement has many influences, themes, and writing styles that can be highlighted with notable works and authors. A promising frontier, new cultures brought by immigration, and a search for spiritual answers were all key influences in the making of the Romantic movement. Themes of the Romantic period include nature as refuge, high imagination, and emotional intensity. All of these influences and themes culminate in many different forms of literature including poetry, short story, and essay. A drastic change from the Puritan and Quaker writings of the colonial period in American literature, the Romantic movement was greatly influenced by a changing colonial world. . The United States, soon after a revolutionary victory, began pushing westward. Our Founding Fathers dutifully believed in Manifest Destiny which declared that the United States would one day extend “from sea to sea.” Such an exciting and promising period catalyzed the creation of a new literary period and influenced its writers to love and appreciate life greatly. Also influencing American literature at the time of the Romantic movement was the high level of immigration that the United States was facing. Many new cultures and customs poured into the states, and literature, being the social sponge that it is, absorbed much of its content. This included much of the Romantic writings of Europeans and a new outlook and hope towards life possessed by huge numbers of immigrants. Another influential piece in the puzzle of the Romantic movement was religious exploration. The authors were fascinated by the idea of ​​t...... middle of paper...... Thoreau took the traditional essay and brought romance and passion into his paragraphs, like many other authors of the Romantic movement. With a new, In the frightening and changing world around them, American authors and poets began a shift in literary style that would forever leave its mark on bookstore shelves across the United States and around the world. With influences such as the westward push, the influx of immigrants, and the search for a spiritual solution, it is no wonder that the Romantic period was born. This movement brought with it many themes such as nature as refuge, high imagination and emotional intensity. During this early 17th century movement, the literary medium also changed which included poems, short stories, and essays. It goes without saying that the Romantic period of American literature laid the foundation for the future advancements of literature in America.