There are a few clearly marked periods of western history that make fascinating study. Think about the Roman Empire, for example, or the Middle Ages. One closer to home is the Victorian era, spanning the long life of Britain's great Queen Victoria. This complex period was one of extreme contrasts, with wealth and unlimited opportunity for many and dire, inescapable poverty for others. It was truly the beginning of modern history and therefore well worth the attention of us today.
When people think Victorian, they think of gingerbread on the deep porches of large single-family homes, heavily-curtained parlors crowded with red velvet furniture, and Audubon prints of exotic birds. They may cite the effects of the Industrial Revolution and the expansion of the railroads. The British Empire ruled much of the world, and international trade was booming. People made great fortunes, and the middle class arose as the foundation of peace and prosperity.
The middle class really came into its own in this time. Storekeepers, tailors, hat makers, and druggists were pillars of society, and bankers, judges, and doctors (and their wives) led fashion. However, there was also a huge working class who struggled to make ends meet either on family farms or in the large factories that came with the Industrial Revolution.
Some lived lavishly and built spacious single family homes, while others lived in crowded tenements. The population exploded in England, while Ireland lost millions to famine and emigration - especially to America. Steel and glass became the new construction materials, railroads improved communication and commerce, and goods were traded around the world. Science, engineering, and medicine came into the modern age.
Gambling, drinking, and prostitution were rife, as were reform efforts of churches and social organizations. Romanticism ruled, but realism was coming into its own as well in both art and theater. Modern engineering, medicine, social sciences, psychiatry, photography, and physical sciences all have their roots in this period.
Human nature began to be taken as more 'natural' than religion. Prosperity was seen as a right for the upper and middle classes, while the poverty of those lower on the social scale were seen by many as inevitable. Industry was considered the hope of the future, and it's ill effects taken as 'the cost of doing business'. However, giants in the newspaper industry and great novelists chronicled the plight of the poor and sought to change it.
Many recognize the period architecture, where the Gothic influence became increasingly evident. Those who drive west across America can see how the colonial style of the east gives way to gables and towers of homes reflecting the value placed on family life and keeping up with the neighbors. In England, the spa resorts were showcases for the wealth of both high society and rich merchants. The importance of sea air and mineral waters brought thousands to the seashore each season.
Another strong influence is seen in politics, which became increasingly liberal as leaders attempted to help those for which prosperity never came. Although the success of social programs has always been disputed, the Victorian belief that government can help balance a country's wealth has not changed.
When people think Victorian, they think of gingerbread on the deep porches of large single-family homes, heavily-curtained parlors crowded with red velvet furniture, and Audubon prints of exotic birds. They may cite the effects of the Industrial Revolution and the expansion of the railroads. The British Empire ruled much of the world, and international trade was booming. People made great fortunes, and the middle class arose as the foundation of peace and prosperity.
The middle class really came into its own in this time. Storekeepers, tailors, hat makers, and druggists were pillars of society, and bankers, judges, and doctors (and their wives) led fashion. However, there was also a huge working class who struggled to make ends meet either on family farms or in the large factories that came with the Industrial Revolution.
Some lived lavishly and built spacious single family homes, while others lived in crowded tenements. The population exploded in England, while Ireland lost millions to famine and emigration - especially to America. Steel and glass became the new construction materials, railroads improved communication and commerce, and goods were traded around the world. Science, engineering, and medicine came into the modern age.
Gambling, drinking, and prostitution were rife, as were reform efforts of churches and social organizations. Romanticism ruled, but realism was coming into its own as well in both art and theater. Modern engineering, medicine, social sciences, psychiatry, photography, and physical sciences all have their roots in this period.
Human nature began to be taken as more 'natural' than religion. Prosperity was seen as a right for the upper and middle classes, while the poverty of those lower on the social scale were seen by many as inevitable. Industry was considered the hope of the future, and it's ill effects taken as 'the cost of doing business'. However, giants in the newspaper industry and great novelists chronicled the plight of the poor and sought to change it.
Many recognize the period architecture, where the Gothic influence became increasingly evident. Those who drive west across America can see how the colonial style of the east gives way to gables and towers of homes reflecting the value placed on family life and keeping up with the neighbors. In England, the spa resorts were showcases for the wealth of both high society and rich merchants. The importance of sea air and mineral waters brought thousands to the seashore each season.
Another strong influence is seen in politics, which became increasingly liberal as leaders attempted to help those for which prosperity never came. Although the success of social programs has always been disputed, the Victorian belief that government can help balance a country's wealth has not changed.
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