15.1 Political, social, and economic background of the Victorian era

The Victorian era, spanning 1837-1901, was a time of massive change in Britain. Political reforms expanded voting rights, while the Industrial Revolution transformed the economy and society. These shifts reshaped class structures and gender roles.

Victorian literature reflects this tumultuous period. Writers grappled with rapid industrialization, social inequality, and Britain's expanding empire. Understanding this historical context is key to interpreting the themes and concerns of Victorian authors.

Victorian Britain's Political Landscape

Reform Acts and Voting Rights

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• Victorian era spanned from 1837 to 1901 marked by Queen Victoria's reign and significant political reforms
• Reform Acts of 1832, 1867, and 1884 gradually expanded voting rights
  • Led to more representative electorate
  • Redistributed parliamentary seats
• Chartist movement laid groundwork for future democratic reforms and workers' rights
  • Advocated for universal male suffrage, secret ballots, and annual parliamentary elections
• Repeal of Corn Laws in 1846 shifted towards free trade policies
  • Reduced import tariffs on grain
  • Benefited industrial workers but challenged agricultural interests

Political Parties and Key Figures

• Rise of two-party system dominated Victorian politics
  • Conservative Party (Tories)
  • Liberal Party (Whigs)
• Influential Prime Ministers shaped domestic and foreign policies
  • Sir Robert Peel: Repealed Corn Laws, established modern police force (Bobbies)
  • William Gladstone: Championed liberal reforms, Irish Home Rule
  • Benjamin Disraeli: Expanded voting rights, pursued imperialist foreign policy
• Irish Question remained contentious political issue
  • Home Rule movement sought Irish self-governance
  • Debates over Irish independence intensified

Victorian Society's Class Structure

Social Hierarchy and Mobility

• Rigid class structure divided into upper, middle, and working classes
• Upper class (aristocracy and landed gentry) held significant political and economic power
  • Influence gradually declined throughout era
• Rapidly expanding middle class became increasingly influential
  • Shaped social values and cultural norms
  • Fueled by industrialization and economic growth
• Working class faced challenging living and working conditions
  • Included factory workers, domestic servants, agricultural laborers
  • Led to rise of labor movements and social reform initiatives
• Social mobility increased due to educational opportunities and economic changes
  • Still limited compared to modern standards

Gender Roles and Social Reform

• Separate spheres ideology dictated behaviors and occupations for men and women
  • Men expected to work outside the home and engage in public life
  • Women primarily confined to domestic duties and child-rearing
• Philanthropy and social reform movements addressed societal issues
  • Often led by middle-class individuals
  • Focused on poverty, child labor, public health
  • Examples: Salvation Army, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children
• Women's rights movements gained momentum
  • Advocated for improved education, property rights, and suffrage
  • Key figures: Millicent Fawcett, Emmeline Pankhurst

Victorian Economic Development

Industrial Revolution and Technological Advancements

• Industrial Revolution peaked during Victorian era
  • Transformed Britain into world's leading industrial and economic power
• Technological advancements revolutionized production and trade
  • Steam engine improved manufacturing and transportation
  • Telegraph enhanced communication
  • Bessemer process increased steel production
• Rapid growth of factories and urbanization led to demographic shifts
  • Large populations moved from rural areas to industrial cities (Manchester, Birmingham)
• Expansion of railway network facilitated trade, travel, and distribution of goods
  • Railway mileage increased from 98 miles in 1830 to over 20,000 miles by 1900

Economic Policies and Financial Institutions

• Rise of capitalism and laissez-faire economic policies encouraged entrepreneurship
  • Led to significant wealth disparities between industrialists and workers
• Growth of banking and financial institutions supported economic expansion
  • Bank of England played crucial role in monetary policy
  • London Stock Exchange facilitated investment and trade
• Economic cycles of boom and bust impacted various sectors
  • "Great Depression" of 1873-1896 affected agriculture and industry
  • Influenced social and political developments, including labor movements

Imperialism's Impact on Victorian Culture

Literature and Artistic Influences

• Expansion of British Empire influenced literature, art, and popular culture
• Concept of "civilizing mission" and "white man's burden" prevalent in literature
  • Justified colonial expansion
  • Shaped perceptions of non-Western cultures
• Travel writing and adventure novels popularized exotic settings
  • Rudyard Kipling's "The Jungle Book"
  • H. Rider Haggard's "King Solomon's Mines"
• Influx of colonial goods and practices influenced British culture
  • Fashion incorporated Indian textiles and jewelry
  • Interior design featured exotic motifs and materials (Oriental rugs, Chinese porcelain)

Imperial Exhibitions and Academic Disciplines

• Colonial exhibitions and world's fairs showcased imperial conquests
  • Reinforced notions of British superiority and racial hierarchies
  • Examples: Great Exhibition of 1851, Colonial and Indian Exhibition of 1886
• Development of anthropology and ethnography tied to colonial expansion
  • Study of "primitive" cultures often reinforced colonial ideologies
  • Key figures: Edward Tylor, James Frazer
• Resistance to imperialism emerged in literature and intellectual discourse
  • Critiques of colonial practices grew towards end of Victorian era
  • Writers like Joseph Conrad questioned imperial motives (Heart of Darkness)