Victorian Era England

Definition

The Victorian Era in England refers to the period of Queen Victoria's reign from 1837 to 1901, marked by significant social, political, and industrial changes. This time was characterized by the expansion of the British Empire, the rise of industrialization, and the growth of new intellectual movements that challenged traditional ideas about society, morality, and human progress.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Victorian Era saw the peak of the British Empire, making it one of the largest empires in history, with colonies spanning across Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
2. This period was marked by rapid industrialization, leading to significant technological advancements and a shift from rural agriculture to urban manufacturing.
3. Victorian values emphasized morality, respectability, and a strict social hierarchy, influencing literature, art, and social norms.
4. The era experienced major social reforms including improvements in labor laws, education access, and women's rights movements that began to gain traction.
5. Intellectual developments during this time included new scientific discoveries and philosophies that challenged traditional beliefs, such as Darwin's theory of evolution.

Review Questions

• How did the Industrial Revolution influence social changes during the Victorian Era in England?
  • The Industrial Revolution drastically transformed England's economy and society during the Victorian Era by shifting labor from agriculture to industry. This led to urbanization as people moved to cities for work, resulting in crowded living conditions and new social issues. The growth of factories also sparked movements for labor rights and reforms in working conditions as people began to advocate for better wages and hours.
• Evaluate how Victorian values shaped societal expectations and influenced artistic expression during this period.
  • Victorian values placed a strong emphasis on morality, propriety, and respectability which influenced societal expectations of behavior, especially regarding gender roles. These values were reflected in literature and art, as many writers and artists sought to critique or adhere to these norms. The literature often depicted idealized family life or moral dilemmas while also addressing social issues like poverty or inequality through a moral lens.
• Assess the impact of intellectual developments such as Darwinism on societal beliefs and practices in Victorian Era England.
  • Intellectual developments like Darwinism had profound effects on Victorian beliefs and practices by challenging established notions of creationism and humanity's place in the world. Darwin's theories prompted debates about evolution and natural selection, leading many to rethink ideas about human development and social hierarchy. This shift gave rise to movements like Social Darwinism that justified imperialism and class distinctions while also igniting discussions around ethics in science and religion.

Related terms

Industrial Revolution: A period of major industrialization from the late 18th century to the early 19th century that transformed economies from agrarian to industrial.

Utilitarianism: An ethical theory that promotes actions that maximize happiness and well-being for the majority, significantly influencing social reform during the Victorian Era.

Social Darwinism: A social theory that applied Charles Darwin's ideas of natural selection to human societies, often used to justify imperialism and social inequality during the Victorian Era.