England in Victorian times.

Another topic we have covered in Social Science is Victorian England. In this presentation we looked at England under the reign of Queen Victoria and what it would have been like living under her reign.

Enjoy the presentation and keep practicing your English!

England in Victorian times!

Victorian Era: 1937-1901

•The Victorian era of British history was the period of Queen Victoria's reign from 20 June 1837 until her death, on 22 January 1901.

•Victoria became queen in 1837 at age 18.

• Her long reign until 1901 was generally characterised mostly by peace and prosperity.

• There were no great wars during her reign.

During the Victorian Era!

•Britain reached the height of its economic, political, diplomatic and cultural power.

•The era saw the expansion of the second British Empire.

•Historians have characterized the mid-Victorian era (1850–1870) as Britain's 'Golden Years.´

Why was the Victorian Era prosperous?

•There was prosperity, as the national income per person grew by half.

• Much of the prosperity was due to the increasing industrialization in textiles and machinery.

• Increasing industrialization of trade and engineering that produced profits for British merchants and experts from across the globe. 

Peace in the Victorian Era!

•There was peace abroad and social peace at home.

• There was no opposition to the British empire.

• The Chartist movement, peaked as a democratic movement among the working class in 1848; its leaders moved to other pursuits, such as trade unions and cooperative societies.

Why was the Victorian Era peaceful?

•The working class ignored foreign ideas like Karl Marx, and joined in celebrating the new prosperity.

• Employers typically were paternalistic, and generally recognized the trade unions.

•Companies provided their employees with welfare services ranging from housing, schools and churches, to libraries, baths, and gymnasia.

• Middle-class reformers did their best to assist the working classes aspire to middle-class norms of 'respectability.'

More issues during the Victorian Era.

•Taxes were very low, and government restrictions were minimal.

•There were still problem areas, such as occasional riots, especially those motivated by anti-Catholicism.

•The housing and conditions of life of the working class in town & country were still a disgrace to an age of plenty.

Questions:

•From what years was the UK in the Victorian Era?

•How is the Victorian Era characterised?

•Can you name some of the countries in the British Empire?

•Why do you think workers were so happy in the Victorian Era?

•Has there ever been any periods of prosperity and peace in Spain?