Victorian Age free essay sample

Even idleness is eager now, eager for amusement; prone to excursion-trains, artmuseums, periodical literature, and exciting novels. (George Eliot) General Info About the Time †¢ Enormous changes occurred in political and social life in England and the rest of the world †¢ The scientific and technical innovations of the Industrial Revolution, the emergence of modern nationalism, and the European colonization of much of Africa, the Middle East, and the Far East changed most of Europe †¢ Far-reaching new ideas created the greatest outpouring of literary production the world has ever seen A Time of Change †¢ London becomes most important city in Europe †¢ Population of London expands from two million to six million †¢ Shift from ownership of land to modern urban economy †¢ Impact of industrialism †¢ Increase in wealth †¢ World’s foremost imperial power †¢ Victorian people suffered from anxiety, a sense of being displaced persons in an age of technological advances. Queen Victoria (1819-1901) Reign: 1837-1901 †¢ The longest reign in British history †¢ Became queen at the age of 18; graceful and self-assured had a gift for drawing and painting †¢ Throughout her reign, she maintained a sense of dignity and decorum that estored the average person’s high opinion of the monarchy after a series of horrible, ineffective leaders †¢ 1840-Victoria married a German prince, Albert, who became not king, but Prince-consort †¢ After he died in 1861, she sank into a deep depression and wore black every day for the rest of her life The Growth of the British Empire †¢ England grew to become the greatest nation on earth †¢ Empire included Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Africa, Kenya, and India †¢ England built a very large navy and merchant fleet (for trade and colonization) †¢ Imported raw materials such as cotton and silk nd exported finished goods to countries around the world †¢ By the mid-1800s, England was the largest exporter and importer of goods in the world. We will write a custom essay sample on Victorian Age or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page It was the primary manufacturer of goods and the wealthiest country in the world †¢ Because of England’s success, they felt it was their duty to bring English values, laws, customs, and religion to the ? savage? races around the world The Early Victorian Period 1830-1848 †¢ In 1830, the Liverpool and Manchester Railway opened, the first public railway line in the world. †¢ By 1850, railway lines connected England’s major cities †¢ By 1900 , England had 15,195 lines of railroad and an nderground rail system beneath London. †¢ The train transformed England’s landscape, supported the growth of commerce, and shrank the distance between cities.