Besides farming describe other occupation opportunities in the west

Black smiths shoe makers basket makers

The railroad created many new opportunities. New cities developed with new jobs for migrants. For example, in the 1850's Chicago became a meatpacking center, Cleveland was a center for trading iron goods and Cincinnati milled flour.

the best description of postwar writers might be progressive.

following the war, writers showed a tendency to work on artistic or social matters rather than political themes. while postwar literature may not have been the greatest period of english literature, the themes provided excellent critics a high number of novels. such examples include anthony burgess, anthony powell and frank kermode, all of which can be placed under the progressive view.

i believe it would be capitalism