The Victorian Age, spanning from 1837 to 1901 during the reign of Queen Victoria, was marked by significant political and social changes in Britain. This period saw the expansion of the British Empire, major reforms such as the extension of voting rights through various Reform Acts, and the rise of industrialization, which brought about both economic growth and social challenges, leading to increased political activism and movements for workers' rights and social justice.
The age can be subdivided into three phases:
Early Victorian (1830-48)
The opening of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway in 1830 was a landmark event in transportation and industrial history. It was the world's first intercity railway line to rely entirely on steam locomotives, connecting the major industrial city of Manchester with the port city of Liverpool. By 1850, all major English cities were connected.
Politically, the success of the railway demonstrated the transformative potential of industrial technology, bolstering support for further infrastructure development and modernization. The railway's impact on trade and industry underscored the importance of political representation for the growing industrial middle class, contributing to the push for the Reform Act of 1832, which expanded the electorate and adjusted parliamentary representation to better reflect the new economic realities.
Mid-Victorian (1848-70)
This was a time of prosperity. Agriculture and industry flourished. Parliament passed laws to help improve working and living conditions. This period also saw the expansion of the British Empire. The 1850s and 1860s witnessed large-scale emigration to Australia. Britain took over direct control of India with Victoria named empress in 1876.
Late Victorian (1870-1901)
England's economic foundation relied on Empire, but cracks began to show. Rebellions and skirmishes in India, Jamaica, Sudan, South Africa, and Ireland challenged Victorian stability and security. Another threat to the economy was the rise of labor unions and socialism. Writers of the Late Victorian period expressed a change in attitudes and values.
Social Criticism: Examining and critiquing social structures, class disparities, and the effects of industrialization.
Morality and Ethics: Exploring moral values, personal integrity, and ethical dilemmas, often with a didactic tone.
Realism: Depicting everyday life and society with a focus on detailed and accurate representation of characters, settings, and social conditions.
Romanticism: Emphasizing emotion, individualism, and nature, often as a reaction to the industrial age.
Progress and Change: Reflecting the rapid technological, scientific, and social changes of the era, often with a mix of optimism and anxiety.
Gender Roles and Domesticity: Addressing the roles of men and women, family dynamics, and domestic life, often highlighting the limitations placed on women.
Religious Doubt and Faith: Engaging with questions of faith, doubt, and the conflict between science and religion.
Empire and Colonialism: Exploring the impact and ethics of British imperialism and colonialism, often through exotic settings and diverse characters.