By studying history, we learn about our own times. There are few periods more important to western culture than the Victorian Era. The years spanning the reign of Queen Victoria in Britain - 1837 to 1901 - are considered the true beginning of 'modern' thinking and progress. This time period begins just after the Industrial Revolution, which brought new manufacturing practices into play, created a demand for factory workers, and started the exodus from the land that brought millions into the cities.
When people think Victorian, they think of gingerbread on the deep porches of large single-family homes, heavily-curtained parlors crowded with red velvet furniture, and Audubon prints of exotic birds. They may cite the effects of the Industrial Revolution and the expansion of the railroads. The British Empire ruled much of the world, and international trade was booming. People made great fortunes, and the middle class arose as the foundation of peace and prosperity.
The middle class really came into its own in this time. Storekeepers, tailors, hat makers, and druggists were pillars of society, and bankers, judges, and doctors (and their wives) led fashion. However, there was also a huge working class who struggled to make ends meet either on family farms or in the large factories that came with the Industrial Revolution.
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.
We are indebted to the Victorians for their daring innovations in every area, from science to the business world. We can admire them for their success and for their dawning realization that good times should be for everyone, not just those at the top. Although there was much prejudice and greed, there was also great compassion and social awareness. We can learn a lot from them.
When people think Victorian, they think of gingerbread on the deep porches of large single-family homes, heavily-curtained parlors crowded with red velvet furniture, and Audubon prints of exotic birds. They may cite the effects of the Industrial Revolution and the expansion of the railroads. The British Empire ruled much of the world, and international trade was booming. People made great fortunes, and the middle class arose as the foundation of peace and prosperity.
The middle class really came into its own in this time. Storekeepers, tailors, hat makers, and druggists were pillars of society, and bankers, judges, and doctors (and their wives) led fashion. However, there was also a huge working class who struggled to make ends meet either on family farms or in the large factories that came with the Industrial Revolution.
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.
We are indebted to the Victorians for their daring innovations in every area, from science to the business world. We can admire them for their success and for their dawning realization that good times should be for everyone, not just those at the top. Although there was much prejudice and greed, there was also great compassion and social awareness. We can learn a lot from them.
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