Louisa May Alcott's career was profoundly influenced by the historical context of the 19th century, particularly the Women's Rights movement and Transcendentalism. Growing up during social reform, she became aware of inequalities faced by women, which fueled her desire to write stories centered on female empowerment. Her experiences with poverty and societal expectations shaped the themes in her most famous work, *Little Women*. Alcott's involvement in the abolitionist movement also reflects the intertwining of these progressive values. Her works often serve as a critique of societal norms, making her a pivotal figure in both literature and the early feminist movement.