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.
For almost everyone, the term 'Victorian' brings up images. They may be of red velvet settees, potted palms, and stained glass windows in gabled mansions. Perhaps a mighty steam engine comes to mind, puffing out great clouds as it races across the plains. Others may think of Darwin's explorations or Audubon's detailed paintings of exotic birds. People still remember the lives of the fabulously rich or visit their huge homes.
World trade expanded under the British Empire, the railroads opened markets to entire countries, and the middle class arose as the foundation of society. Romantic ideals flourished, but so did the stark realities of working class poverty and despair. Some children led sheltered lives in secure families where Father brought home the bacon, while others labored long hours in mills, mines, and factories where workers started as young as four years old.
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.
Although the Queen's morals and social rules ruled family life, the age was not an innocent one. Rampant gambling, drinking, and prostitution spawned the great reform efforts of evangelism and prohibition. Many applauded the benefits of 'progress' and enjoyed great prosperity, but others recognized the suffering of millions in the working class and sought to alleviate it. The old virtues struggled to combat many of the problems, while the new psychiatry and sciences offered to explain them.
Morality was beginning to be seen as restrictive over what were 'natural' human impulses. The upper class both looked down on and had compassion for the lower. Industrialism was seen as the way to a future of peace and prosperity, but the grim realities of life for workers was becoming all too evident. Crusading newspapers trumpeted both sides of the story, novelists described life at all levels, and great artists painted it all, from its stark cruelty to its misty beauties.
Although many of us know little beyond the architecture or the clothes, the era ruled by the great queen shaped much of our life today. Railroads unified countries and brought nations together. The concepts of disposable income and holidays gave rise to the great spas of the period. Colonial elegance gave way to frontier exuberance; the Victorian influence can be seen as you drive across America and see the houses change as you go west.
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.
For almost everyone, the term 'Victorian' brings up images. They may be of red velvet settees, potted palms, and stained glass windows in gabled mansions. Perhaps a mighty steam engine comes to mind, puffing out great clouds as it races across the plains. Others may think of Darwin's explorations or Audubon's detailed paintings of exotic birds. People still remember the lives of the fabulously rich or visit their huge homes.
World trade expanded under the British Empire, the railroads opened markets to entire countries, and the middle class arose as the foundation of society. Romantic ideals flourished, but so did the stark realities of working class poverty and despair. Some children led sheltered lives in secure families where Father brought home the bacon, while others labored long hours in mills, mines, and factories where workers started as young as four years old.
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.
Although the Queen's morals and social rules ruled family life, the age was not an innocent one. Rampant gambling, drinking, and prostitution spawned the great reform efforts of evangelism and prohibition. Many applauded the benefits of 'progress' and enjoyed great prosperity, but others recognized the suffering of millions in the working class and sought to alleviate it. The old virtues struggled to combat many of the problems, while the new psychiatry and sciences offered to explain them.
Morality was beginning to be seen as restrictive over what were 'natural' human impulses. The upper class both looked down on and had compassion for the lower. Industrialism was seen as the way to a future of peace and prosperity, but the grim realities of life for workers was becoming all too evident. Crusading newspapers trumpeted both sides of the story, novelists described life at all levels, and great artists painted it all, from its stark cruelty to its misty beauties.
Although many of us know little beyond the architecture or the clothes, the era ruled by the great queen shaped much of our life today. Railroads unified countries and brought nations together. The concepts of disposable income and holidays gave rise to the great spas of the period. Colonial elegance gave way to frontier exuberance; the Victorian influence can be seen as you drive across America and see the houses change as you go west.
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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