Victorian Era

Definition

The Victorian Era was a period of British history that lasted from 1837 to 1901, marked by the reign of Queen Victoria. This era is characterized by significant industrial, cultural, political, scientific, and military changes that reshaped Britain and had lasting impacts throughout Europe and beyond.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Victorian Era saw the expansion of the British Empire, which included territories in Africa, India, and the Caribbean, leading to significant global influence.
2. This era was marked by a strong emphasis on morality, family values, and social responsibility, often referred to as Victorian morality.
3. Technological advancements such as the steam engine and telegraph transformed transportation and communication, playing a key role in industrial growth.
4. The Victorian Era produced notable literary figures like Charles Dickens, the Brontë sisters, and Thomas Hardy, who addressed social issues through their works.
5. Reforms in labor laws and education during this time aimed to address social inequalities resulting from rapid industrialization.

Review Questions

• How did the Industrial Revolution influence social changes during the Victorian Era?
  • The Industrial Revolution dramatically transformed society during the Victorian Era by shifting economies from agriculture to industry. This shift led to urbanization as people moved to cities for factory work. The rise of a new working class highlighted social issues such as labor rights and child labor, prompting reforms aimed at improving living and working conditions. These social changes were crucial in shaping modern British society.
• In what ways did Victorian morality affect cultural and political life in Britain?
  • Victorian morality emphasized strict codes of conduct, including notions of propriety, family values, and social responsibility. This moral framework influenced literature, art, and public life, often dictating what was considered acceptable behavior. Politically, it spurred movements for reform that aligned with these values, such as women’s suffrage and education reforms aimed at promoting moral education. The impact of this morality shaped not only British society but also its colonial policies.
• Evaluate how the expansion of the British Empire during the Victorian Era reflected both advancements and contradictions within British society.
  • The expansion of the British Empire during the Victorian Era showcased Britain's technological advancements and economic power while simultaneously highlighting contradictions within its society. While Britain promoted itself as a beacon of civilization and morality, imperialistic endeavors often led to exploitation and oppression of colonized peoples. This duality raised questions about ethical governance and human rights, ultimately fueling debates about national identity and imperial responsibility that persisted beyond the era.

Related terms

Industrial Revolution:

A period of major industrialization during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, which began in Great Britain and led to significant economic and social changes.

Social Darwinism:

A social theory that applied the concept of 'survival of the fittest' to societies, often used to justify imperialism and social inequalities during the Victorian Era.

British Empire:

The global empire controlled by Great Britain during the 19th century, which expanded significantly during the Victorian Era, becoming the largest empire in history.