Period FAQs

when was the victorian period

by Zelma Hirthe Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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What years are considered the "Victorian" period?

What Is Victorian Architecture?

  • History of Victorian Architecture. Victorian-era architecture followed the Georgian (1714–1830) and late Georgian period (1830–1837), which was characterized by generously proportioned rooms in typically three-story residences where families lived on ...
  • Characteristics of Victorian Architecture. ...
  • Interesting Facts About Victorian Architecture. ...

When did the Victorian era start and end?

The Victorian Era is specially the time period ranging from June 1837 to January 22, 1901 which is the time frame that Queen Victoria ruled over Britain. People refer to this time period as the Victorian Era when they are specifically talking about that time-frame.

What year did the Victorian era begin?

When did the Victorian era began? Strictly speaking, the Victorian era began in 1837 and ended with Queen Victoria’s death in 1901, but the period can be stretched to include the years both before and after these dates, roughly from the Napoleonic Wars until the outbreak of World War I in 1914.

How did the Victorian era infulence the US?

The Victorian influence was also seen on the technological inventions in America. Steamboats and railroads provided a better transport to people. The railroads connected different parts of America from north to south and east to west and made traveling easier and saved a lot of time.

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Why that period is called the Victorian era?

The Victorian era takes its name from Queen Victoria, who ruled between 1837–1901. There were nine British prime ministers during the Victorian era.

When exactly was the Victorian era?

But the Victorian Era—the 63-year period from 1837-1901 that marked the reign of Queen Victoria—also saw a demise of rural life as cities and slums rapidly grew, long and regimented factory hours for many laborers, the bloody Jack the Ripper and even bloodier Crimean War.

When did the Victorian era start in England?

1837The Victorian era of the United Kingdom and its overseas Empire spans the 63-year reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901). By this time, the role of the monarch was to reign, rather than rule.

Why was the Victorian era so important?

Queen Victoria ruled Britain for over 60 years. During this long reign, the country acquired unprecedented power and wealth. Britain's reach extended across the globe because of its empire, political stability, and revolutionary developments in transport and communication.

What is the difference between Regency era and Victorian era?

The Prince Regent ruled in place of his father, King George III, from 1811 to 1820. Thus literature, architecture, music and other creations from this time fall into the regency era. *** The Victorian age, by contrast, started when Queen Victoria came to the throne in 1837 and did not end until 1901.

What came first Victorian or Edwardian?

The Edwardian era succeeded the Victorian period and is a brief epoch lasting from 1901 to 1910.

Who succeeded Queen Victoria?

Edward VIIVictoria died at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, on 22 January 1901 after a reign which lasted almost 64 years, then the longest in British history. Her son, Edward VII succeeded her.

What was it like to be a woman in the Victorian era?

Women in the Victorian society had one main role in life, which was to marry and take part in their husbands' interests and business. Before marriage, they would learn housewife skills such as weaving, cooking, washing, and cleaning, unless they were of a wealthy family.

What is the Victorian era called in America?

We Americans also have another term, mostly in history books, which overlaps the earlier part of her reign called "the Gilded Age" but no one really uses that outside history class. "Gilded Age" tends to be only after the war.

Are there any Victorians still alive?

On Friday, the last Victorian in Britain died. Ethel Lang was 114 and the last person left in Britain born in the reign of Queen Victoria. She was born in Barnsley in 1900 when Victoria was old and sickly.

What are 5 interesting facts about the Victorian era?

10 Interesting facts about the Victorian EraTaxidermy was also huge in the Victorian Era. ... Victorians wore a lot of black. ... Freakshows were also big in the Victorian Era. ... When someone passed the family would often have a photograph taken of the body. ... Gothic novels were at their peak.More items...•

What did people wear in the Victorian era?

The fashion of the 19th century is renowned for its corsets, bonnets, top hats, bustles and petticoats. Women's fashion during the Victorian period was largely dominated by full skirts, which gradually moved to the back of the silhouette.

When did the Victorian era begin and end?

June 20, 1837 – January 22, 1901Victorian era / Period

What is the Victorian era called in America?

We Americans also have another term, mostly in history books, which overlaps the earlier part of her reign called "the Gilded Age" but no one really uses that outside history class. "Gilded Age" tends to be only after the war.

What years were the Edwardian era?

1901 – 1910Edwardian era / Period

What came before the Victorian era?

Georgians (1714–1837)

Why was the Victorian period important?

More access made British cultural products more important. Not only did they reveal much about the society from which they emerged, but during the Victorian period Britain was the cultural capital of the English-speaking world (including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand). Victorian performance and print culture were rich and varied, a blend of melodrama, spectacle, and morality.

What were the major scientific discoveries of the Victorians?

Alongside their faith, Victorians made and appreciated developments in science. The best-known Victorian scientific development is that of the theory of evolution. It is typically credited to Charles Darwin, but versions of it were developed by earlier thinkers as well, and the pseudoscience of eugenics was an ugly outgrowth of Victorian evolutionary theory. Victorians were also fascinated by the emerging discipline of psychology and by the physics of energy.

What religions were in Britain in Victorian times?

Most Victorian Britons were Christian. The Anglican churches of England, Wales, and Ireland were the state churches (of which the monarch was the nominal head) and dominated the religious landscape (even though the majority of Welsh and Irish people were members of other churches). The Church of Scotland was Presbyterian. There was some religious diversity, as Britain also was home to other non-Anglican Protestants (notably Methodists ), Roman Catholics, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, and others (at the end of the period there were even a few atheists ).

What were the main organizing principles of Victorian society?

While race, religion, region, and occupation were all meaningful aspects of identity and status, the main organizing principles of Victorian society were gender and class. As is suggested by the sexual double standard, gender was considered to be biologically based and to be determinative ...

What was the Victorian era?

Alternative Title: Victorian Age. Victorian era, in British history, the period between approximately 1820 and 1914 , corresponding roughly but not exactly to the period of Queen Victoria ’s reign (1837–1901) and characterized by a class-based society, a growing number of people able to vote, a growing state and economy, ...

How did the upper class get their income?

The very small and very wealthy upper class got its income (of £1,000 per annum or often much more) from property, rent, and interest. The upper class had titles, wealth, land, or all three; owned most of the land in Britain; and controlled local, national, and imperial politics.

What is class in economics?

Class was both economic and cultural and encompassed income, occupation, education, family structure, sexual behaviour, politics, and leisure activities. The working class, about 70 to 80 percent of the population, got its income from wages, with family incomes usually under £100 per annum.

When Was The Victorian Era?

It thus starts from June 20, 1837, when Victoria became Queen of the United Kingdom and ends on January 22, 1901, the date of the Queen’s death. The Victorian era was preceded by the Georgian period (1714 to 1830) that was characterized by the rule of the first four Hanoverian kings who were all named George. The Edwardian period (1901 to 1910) succeeded the Victorian era and covered the rule of King Edward VII.

What were the golden years of England?

The period between 1850 and 1870 or the mid-Victorian era has been referred to as the "Golden Years” by historians. Social stability and peace abroad allowed rapid industrialization in England. A positive environment and a spirit of libertarianism prevailed in the country, and employers ensured the welfare of their employees. The low taxes and low levels of government restrictions allowed entrepreneurs to establish flourishing start-ups. Britain became the world leader in advanced engineering and technology. Infrastructural facilities were expanded and established throughout the country that facilitated industry and trade. The shipping industry produced massive steam ships including both luxury liners and cargo ships. The development of the railway system greatly eased the transport of goods and people. The first postage stamp was invented during this time which standardized the postage price. Hand-held cameras became available since 1889. Many other innovations were realized during the Victorian era.

How did the Victorian era affect fertility?

The increased prosperity also boosted fertility rates in the country which increased every decade until the end of the Victorian era. Mortality rates also decreased during the Victorian era due to improved environmental and health standards. No catastrophic famines or epidemics were recorded in the UK during this period.

How did the Victorian era affect the population of Britain?

The Victorian era witnessed a dramatic increase in Britain’s population which soared from 13.9 million in 1831 to 32.5 million in 1901. The fast pace of industrial growth is believed to have increased the standards of living in the country leading to the creation of an environment that encouraged high population growth.

What was the duty of Britain to the colonies?

A general belief prevailed in the Victorian society that it was the duty of Britain to Christianize and civilize the world.

What was the role of the British Empire in the Victorian era?

The Victorian era also overlaps with Pax Britannica (Latin for "British Peace”), a period of relative peace in Europe where the British Empire played the role of a global hegemonic power. The Royal Navy’s supremacy prevailed and helped maintain peace among the great powers.

What was the impact of the Victorian era on the UK?

The Victorian era left behind a legacy that was to influence the human society in the UK and in many other parts of the world for the years to come. The technological and scientific advances made during this time enriched the future lives of the human civilization.

How long was the Victorian era?

But the Victorian Era—the 63-year period from 1837-1901 that marked the reign of England’s Queen Victoria—also saw a demise of rural life as cities rapidly grew and expanded, long and regimented factory hours, the start of the Crimean War and Jack the Ripper. Victoria, who ascended the throne at age 18 following the death of her uncle, William IV, ...

What was the Victorian era?

Victorian Era Timeline. The period of Queen Victoria's reign, from 1837 until her death in 1901 was marked by sweeping progress and ingenuity. The period of Queen Victoria's reign, from 1837 until her death in 1901 was marked by sweeping progress and ingenuity. It was the time of the world’s first Industrial Revolution, ...

What was the cause of the potato famine in 1845?

September 1845: Ireland’s potato crop begins to rot, causing the four-year Irish Potato Famine, also known as the Great Hunger, that lead to 1 million deaths and caused 1 million people to emigrate from the country, landing in various cities throughout North America and Great Britain.

How did Florence Nightingale help reduce the death count?

History’s most famous nurse, Florence Nightingale, helps reduce the death count by two-thirds by improving unsanitary conditions. A first edition of Charles Darwin's 'On The Origin Of The Species' in the Rare Books Room at the Natural History Museum in London.

What was the People's Charter?

May 8, 1838: The People’s Charter, the result of a political and social reform protest movement, calls for a more democratic system including six points: the right to vote for men age 21 and older; no property qualification to run for Parliament ; annual elections; equal representation; payment for members of Parliament; and vote by secret ballot.

How tall was Queen Victoria?

At just 4-feet-11-inches tall, her rule during one of Britain’s greatest eras saw the country serving as the world’s biggest empire, with one-fourth of ...

Where is Charles Darwin's first edition?

A first edition of Charles Darwin's 'On The Origin Of The Species' in the Rare Books Room at the Natural History Museum in London.

What were the forms of entertainment in Victorian Britain?

Popular forms of entertainment varied by social class. Victorian Britain, like the periods before it, was interested in theater and the arts, and music, drama, and opera were widely attended. There were, however, other forms of entertainment. Gambling at cards in establishments popularly called casinos was wildly popular during the period: so much so that evangelical and reform movements specifically targeted such establishments in their efforts to stop gambling, drinking, and prostitution .

What was the Victorian morality?

The term Victorian morality is often used to describe the ethos of the period, which embraced sexual proprietary, hard work, honesty, thrift, a sense of duty and responsibility towards the less well off, provided that they deserved help ( alcoholics and the work-shy did not). Anomalies existed, not least of all how the British treated their colonial subjects. Yet, sometimes unwittingly, the Victorians did much to create an increasingly inter-connected world, in which some people could speak of co-responsibility to make the world a better place. When Victorians spoke about justice, ending poverty or child-labor and about improving the quality of life, even if their practice was often parochial, their vision was global.

What was the most important engineering feat in the Victorian era?

Another great engineering feat in the Victorian Era was the sewage system in London. It was designed by Joseph Bazalgette in 1858. He proposed to build 82 mi (132 km) of sewerage linked with over 1,000 mi (1,600 km) of street sewers. Many problems were found but the sewers were completed.

What was the bandstand in Victorian times?

Brass bands and 'The Bandstand' became popular in the Victorian era. The band stand was a simple construction that not only created an ornamental focal point, but also served acoustic requirements whilst providing shelter from the changeable British weather. It was common to hear the sound of a brass band whilst strolling through parklands. At this time musical recording was still very much a novelty.

What was the first World's Fair?

The middle of the nineteenth century saw The Great Exhibition of 1851, the first World's Fair and showcased the greatest innovations of the century. At its center was the Crystal Palace, an enormous, modular glass and iron structure—the first of its kind. It was condemned by critic John Ruskin as the very model of mechanical dehumanization in design, but later came to be presented as the prototype of Modern architecture. The emergence of photography, which was showcased at the Great Exhibition, resulted in significant changes in Victorian art with Queen Victoria being the first British monarch to be photographed. John Everett Millais was influenced by photography (notably in his portrait of Ruskin) as were other Pre-Raphaelite artists. It later became associated with the Impressionistic and Social Realist techniques that would dominate the later years of the period in the work of artists such as Walter Sickert and Frank Holl.

Why did the population increase in England during the Victorian era?

One reason for the increase was that there was no catastrophic epidemic or famine in England or Scotland in the nineteenth century. On the other hand, Ireland ’s population decreased rapidly, primarily due to the Irish Potato Famine (1845–1849), from 8.2 million in 1841 to less than 4.5 million in 1901.

What was the result of the policies of New Imperialism?

Towards the end of the century, the policies of New Imperialism led to increasing colonial conflicts and eventually the Anglo-Zanzibar War and the Boer War. The empire's size doubled during the era. The latter half of the Victorian era roughly coincided with the first portion of the Belle Époque era of continental Europe ...

What are some of the most quintessentially Victorian poems?

While Tennyson and Browning represented pillars in Victorian poetry, Dickens and Eliot contributed to the development of the English novel. Perhaps the most quintessentially Victorian poetic works of the period are: Tennyson's "In Memorium" (1850), which mourns the loss of his friend. Henry James describes Eliot's "Middlemarch" (1872) ...

What are the two parts of the Victorian period?

The Period is often divided into two parts: the early Victorian Period (ending around 1870) and the late Victorian Period.

What is the middlemarch of Eliot?

Henry James describes Eliot's "Middlemarch" (1872) as "organized, molded, balanced composition, gratifying the reader with the sense of design and construction.". It was a time of change, a time of great upheaval, but also a time of GREAT literature ! Lombardi, Esther. "The Victorian Period Was a Time of Change.".

What was the Victorian period?

The Victorian Period revolves around the political career of Queen Victoria. She was crowned in 1837 and died in 1901 (which put a definite end to her political career).

Who is Esther Lombardi?

Literature from 1837 to 1901. Esther Lombardi, M.A., is a journalist who has covered books and literature for over twenty years. The Victorian Period revolves around the political career of Queen Victoria. She was crowned in 1837 and died in 1901 (which put a definite end to her political career). A great deal of change took place ...

Who said the time for levity, insincerity, and idle babble and play-acting,?

As Thomas Carlyle (1795–1881) wrote, "The time for levity, insincerity, and idle babble and play-acting, in all kinds, is gone by; it is a serious, grave time.". Of course, in the literature from this period, we see a duality, or double standard, between the concerns of the individual (the exploitation and corruption both at home and abroad) ...

Who said "All art is at once surface and symbol"?

Consider this quote from Victorian author Oscar Wilde in his preface to " The Picture of Dorian Gray " as an example of one of the central conflicts of the literature of his era. "All art is at once surface and symbol. Those who go beneath the surface do so at their own peril.

What is the genre of Jane Eyre's "Sensation"?

Jane Eyre uses some Gothic tropes, but sensation fiction (so named because its suspenseful plots inspired dangerous “sensations” in readers) more fully embraced the surprise and horror typical of the Gothic. Sensation fiction typically centers on deception and bigamy, in which men or women are lured into fake marriages – and worse. Wilkie Collins’ The Woman in White (1859), which tells the story of two women who look strangely alike and are substituted for each other at various points, is perhaps the most famous example. Mary Elizabeth Braddon’s Lady Audley’s Secret (1862), in which a supposedly deranged woman tries to kill her husband after he realizes that she has married another man, also shocked Victorian readers.

What is the form of a dramatic monologue?

Victorian poets also developed a new form called the dramatic monologue, in which a speaker recites the substance of the poem to an audience within the poem itself. Robert Browning’s “My Last Duchess” (1842), in which the Duke of Ferrara describes how he (probably) killed his last wife to the man who is arranging his next marriage, is one of the most famous examples of a dramatic monologue. Alfred, Lord Tennyson also used the form in “Ulysses” (1842), in which Ulysses recounts his reasons for setting out on a last voyage to the men with whom he will sail.

Why did Tennyson write the poem "Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at?

Tennyson wrote this book-length sequence of verses to commemorate the death of his close friend Arthur Henry Hallam. The poem contains some of the most famous lines in literature, including “’Tis better to have loved and lost/Than never to have loved at all,” and was widely quoted in the Victorian period.

Why are Victorian novels so long?

Victorian books are also famously long. In part, this was because improvements in papermaking and printing technology made printing books much cheaper. The rise of lending libraries, which would individually lend out volumes of a book (a book like Jane Eyre was a “tripledecker,” or had three volumes) also contributed to the great length of Victorian novels. A three-volume book could be read by three readers at the same time, while a one-volume book could only be read by one. Lending libraries made more money on tripledeckers, and their encouragement helped that form become dominant in the Victorian marketplace.

What was the Victorian period?

The Victorian period of literature roughly coincides with the years that Queen Victoria ruled Great Britain and its Empire (1837-1901). During this era, Britain was transformed from a predominantly rural, agricultural society into an urban, industrial one. New technologies like railroads and the steam printing press united Britons both physically ...

How many readers can read a three volume book?

A three-volume book could be read by three readers at the same time, while a one-volume book could only be read by one.

Why did the Brownings write poetry?

Poets like Tennyson, the Brownings, and Rossetti frequently wrote poetry in order to create a powerful emotional effect on the reader , but some Victorian poets also wrote simply to entertain. Lewis Carroll and Edward Lear wrote nonsense or light verse, a genre that plays with sounds and rhythm in melodious ways.

What was Queen Victoria's regime?

Queen Victoria’s regime witnessed the progress of science by leaps and bounds. Ether and chloroform started being used as anesthetics. These anesthetics were also used in cases of dentist treatments where there is a lot of pain involved.

What were the characteristics of the Victorian era?

Victorian Era characteristics: Architecture, art, and culture. Culture, as well as architecture, flourished during this period. The Gothic Revival architecture was noteworthy resulting in the clash between Gothic and classical ideals. Additionally, in 1851, the Great Exhibition which displayed the best innovations of the 19th century was also ...

How many hours did children work in the Victorian era?

From the tender ages of three, children were made to work for 16 hours a day. Working Conditions in The Victorian Era – Child labour. Lastly, the Great Britain was also struck by The Great Social Evil which was none other than prostitution. Due to the economic hardships suffered, women started getting into this business.

What was the Victorian era?

Queen Victoria after whom the period between 1837 to 1901 has been referred to as the Victorian Era was a landmark period in the history of the Great Britain. Prior to this period was the Georgian period and succeeded by the Edwardian period. This period brought about the much-needed prosperity in the Great Britain.

Why is the Victorian period considered a landmark?

First and foremost, it was during the same period that England became the world’s most powerful and richest countries by ruling a quarter of the world’s population thereby having the largest empire.

How did poverty increase?

Poverty increased substantially since population increased which made a large number of skilled and unskilled people keeping their wages to a bare minimum. Also, housing became difficult thereby resulting in overcrowding and development of slums.

Why did the fertility rate increase?

The two major reasons for the same were: fertility rate which was due to the improved standard of living of the people as a result of which the number of women who could have children increased while mortality rate lowered as there was no epidemic and also because the health facilities got better.

What is geologic time scale?

The geologic time scale covers the extent of the existence of Earth, from about 4600 million years ago to the present day. It is marked by Global Boundary Stratotype Sections and Points. Geologic time units are (in order of descending specificity) eons, eras, periods, epochs, and ages; and the corresponding chronostratigraphic units, which measure "rock-time", are eonothems, erathems, systems, series, and stages.

What is the period between prehistory and history?

Protohistory – Period between prehistory and history, during which a culture or civilization has not yet developed writing but other cultures have already noted its existence in their own writings; the absolute time scale of "protohistory " varies widely depending on the region, from the late 4th millennium BCE in the Ancient Near East to the present in the case of uncontacted peoples.

What is the Greek and Roman world called?

Classical Antiquity – Broad term for a long period of cultural history centered on the Mediterranean Sea, comprising the interlocking civilizations of ancient Greece and ancient Rome, collectively known as the Greco-Roman world. It is the period in which Greek and Roman society flourished and wielded great influence throughout Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.

How many lines are there in a logarithmic timeline?

Logarithmic timeline shows all history on one page in ten lines.

What is the Upper Paleolithic?

Upper Paleolithic — worldwide expansion of anatomically modern humans, the disappearance of archaic humans by extinction or admixture with modern humans; earliest evidence for pictorial art.

What was the Victorian era?

Victorian era (the United Kingdom, 1837–1901); British hegemony (1815-1914) much of world, around the same time period.

What is contemporary history?

Contemporary History – History within living memory. It shifts forward with the generations, and today is the span of historic events from approximately 1945 that are immediately relevant to the present time.

What was the Edwardian era?

Edwardian era. The Edwardian era or Edwardian period of British history spanned the reign of King Edward VII, 1901 to 1910, and is sometimes expanded to the start of the First World War. The death of Queen Victoria in January 1901 marked the end of the Victorian era. Her son and successor, Edward VII, was already the leader ...

What did women wear during the Edwardian era?

During the Edwardian era, women wore a very tight corset, or bodice, and dressed in long skirts. The Edwardian era was the last time women wore corsets in everyday life. According to Arthur Marwick, the most striking change of all the developments that occurred during the Great War was the modification in women's dress, "for, however far politicians were to put the clocks back in other steeples in the years after the war, no one ever put the lost inches back on the hems of women's skirts".

What was the last period of British history to be named after the reigning monarch?

The Edwardian era was the last period of British history to be named after the reigning monarch. The subsequent reigns of George V and George VI are not commonly termed Georgian era, this name being reserved for the time of the 18th-century kings of that name.

Why did the number of domestic servants fall in the Edwardian era?

However, the number of domestic servants fell in the Edwardian era due to fewer young people willing to be employed in this capacity.

What was the Poor Law of 1834?

The 1834 Poor Law defined who could receive monetary relief. The act reflected and perpetuated prevailing gender conditions. In Edwardian society, men were the source of wealth. The law restricted relief for unemployed, able-bodied male workers, due to the prevailing view that they would find work in the absence of financial assistance. However, women were treated differently. After the Poor Law was passed, women and children received most of the aid. The law did not recognise single independent women, and put women and children into the same category. If a man was physically disabled, his wife was also treated as disabled under the coverture laws, even though coverture was fast becoming outmoded in the Edwardian era. Unmarried mothers were sent to the workhouse, receiving unfair social treatment such as being restricted from attending church on Sundays. During marriage disputes, women often lost the rights to their children, even if their husbands were abusive. However, women were increasingly granted custody of their children under seven years of age; this tendency was colloquially known as the "tender years doctrine," where it was believed that a child was best left under maternal care until the age of seven.

Why are parasols used?

Parasols are different than umbrellas; they are used for protection from the sun, rather from the rain, though they were often used as ornamentation rather than for function. By the end of the Edwardian era, the hat grew bigger in size, a trend that would continue in the 1910s.

Why did General Kitchener initiate the scorched earth policy?

When General Kitchener took command in 1900, he initiated a scorched earth policy in order to foil Boer guerilla tactics. Captured Boer combatants were transported overseas to other British possessions as prisoners of war.

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When Was The Victorian Era?

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The Victorian era is the period in the history of the United Kingdom that begins and ends with Queen Victoria’s reign in the country. It thus starts from June 20, 1837, when Victoria became Queen of the United Kingdom and ends on January 22, 1901, the date of the Queen’s death. The Victorian era was preceded by the Geor…
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Changes in The Demographics of The UK During The Victorian Era

  • The Victorian era witnessed a dramatic increase in Britain’s population which soared from 13.9 million in 1831 to 32.5 million in 1901. The fast pace of industrial growth is believed to have increased the standards of living in the country leading to the creation of an environment that encouraged high population growth. The increased prosperity also boosted fertility rates in the c…
See more on worldatlas.com

Religion in The Victorian Era

  • Religion dominated every aspect of the life of the people in the Victorian era. Doctrinal disputes within Christianity and the debate between science and religion were the talks of the day. Although the Church of England remained dominant throughout the era, other denominations of Christianity also flourished during this time. Church attendance was high during this time. There …
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Industry, Science, and Technology in The Victorian Era

  • The period between 1850 and 1870 or the mid-Victorian era has been referred to as the "Golden Years” by historians. Social stability and peace abroad allowed rapid industrialization in England. A positive environment and a spirit of libertarianism prevailed in the country, and employers ensured the welfare of their employees. The low taxes and low levels of government restriction…
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Victorian Era Society

  • The human society in the UK underwent some dramatic changes in the Victorian era. Rapid urbanization followed the industrial developments in the country. As cities in the country grew in size, infrastructural inadequacies came to light. A result of this was the development of slums where people lived in miserable conditions. Although the economy of the country flourished, the …
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Legacy of The Victorian Era

  • The Victorian era left behind a legacy that was to influence the human society in the UK and in many other parts of the world for the years to come. The technological and scientific advances made during this time enriched the future lives of the human civilization. The focus on morality and public duty took deep root and were to influence the actions of future governments in many …
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Population

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The Victorian era was a time of unprecedented population increase in England. One reason for the increase was that there was no catastrophic epidemic or famine in England or Scotland in the nineteenth century. On the other hand, Ireland’s population decreased rapidly, primarily due to the Irish Potato Famine (1845–184…
See more on newworldencyclopedia.org

Culture

  • The middle of the nineteenth century saw The Great Exhibition of 1851, the first World's Fair and showcased the greatest innovations of the century. At its center was the Crystal Palace, an enormous, modular glass and iron structure—the first of its kind. It was condemned by critic John Ruskin as the very model of mechanical dehumanization in design, but later came to be present…
See more on newworldencyclopedia.org

Events

  • 1832
    1. Passage of the first Reform Act
  • 1837
    1. Ascension of Queen Victoria to the throne.
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Entertainment

  • Popular forms of entertainment varied by social class. Victorian Britain, like the periods before it, was interested in theater and the arts, and music, drama, and opera were widely attended. There were, however, other forms of entertainment. Gambling at cards in establishments popularly called casinos was wildly popular during the period: so much so that evangelical and reform mo…
See more on newworldencyclopedia.org

Technology and Engineering

  • The impetus of the Industrial Revolution had already occurred, but it was during this period that the full effects of industrialization made themselves felt, leading to the mass consumer society of the twentieth century. The revolution led to the rise of railways across the country and great leaps forward in engineering, most famously by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Another great engineering …
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Poverty

  • Nineteenth-century Britain saw a huge population increase accompanied by rapid urbanization stimulated by the industrial revolution. The large numbers of skilled and unskilled people looking for work suppressed wages down to barely subsistence level. Available housing was scarce and expensive, resulting in overcrowding. These problems were magnified in London, where the pop…
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Child Labor

  • The Victorian era became notorious for employing young children in factories and mines and as chimney sweeps. Children were expected to help towards the family budget, often working long hours in dangerous jobs and low wages. Agile boys were employed by the chimney sweeps; small children were employed to scramble under machinery to retrieve cotton bobbins; and children w…
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Prostitution

  • Beginning in the late 1840s, major news organizations, clergymen and single women became increasingly concerned about prostitution, which came to be known as "The Great Social Evil." Although estimates of the number of prostitutes in London by the 1850s vary widely (in his landmark study, Prostitution, William Acton reported that the police estimated there were 8,600 i…
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Religion

  • Religion was a dominant interest throughout the Victoria era, impacting almost every aspect of life and culture. Whether the issue was politics, marriage, sexuality, class relations, literature or attitudes to other peoples and countries, religion played a central role in discussion. Doctrinal disputes within Christianity generally and the Church of England in particular, as well as debate b…
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Legacy

  • The legacy of the Victorian era continues through its literature, music and art, through technological and scientific advances that enriched and still enrich human life. One significant aspect of Victorian morality was its focus on public duty and responsibility. Victorian imperialism was in many respects patronizing and exploitative but the idea that government has a duty to im…
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