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.
For almost everyone, the term 'Victorian' brings up images. They may be of red velvet settees, potted palms, and stained glass windows in gabled mansions. Perhaps a mighty steam engine comes to mind, puffing out great clouds as it races across the plains. Others may think of Darwin's explorations or Audubon's detailed paintings of exotic birds. People still remember the lives of the fabulously rich or visit their huge homes.
For every storekeeper with gaiters on his sleeves and a new-fangled cash register on his counter, there was a coal miner struggling to survive but doomed to labor underground to support his family - barely. Children like Pollyanna or Anne of Green Gables dressed in white lawn and played on broad green lawns, while others as young as four years old worked twelve-hour days in textile factories.
The population of many areas exploded, while that of others declined. England flourished, but Ireland lost millions of its people to famine, rotten social policies, and emigration. Many of the Irish came to America, which offered a hard life but held out hope they could find no where else. New advances in science and medicine threatened the foundations of religion, while advances in engineering opened up new worlds to exploration and exploitation.
Gambling, drinking, and prostitution were rife, as were reform efforts of churches and social organizations. Romanticism ruled, but realism was coming into its own as well in both art and theater. Modern engineering, medicine, social sciences, psychiatry, photography, and physical sciences all have their roots in this period.
Although there was great disparity between the prosperous and the poor, there was also opportunity for individual success. Industrialization was seen as a great good, but working class problems brought liberal politics to the fore. Newspaper editors became legendary figures, while great novelists chronicled both wealth and poverty. The Golden Age went on in all its glory and blindness.
Many recognize the period architecture, where the Gothic influence became increasingly evident. Those who drive west across America can see how the colonial style of the east gives way to gables and towers of homes reflecting the value placed on family life and keeping up with the neighbors. In England, the spa resorts were showcases for the wealth of both high society and rich merchants. The importance of sea air and mineral waters brought thousands to the seashore each season.
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.
For almost everyone, the term 'Victorian' brings up images. They may be of red velvet settees, potted palms, and stained glass windows in gabled mansions. Perhaps a mighty steam engine comes to mind, puffing out great clouds as it races across the plains. Others may think of Darwin's explorations or Audubon's detailed paintings of exotic birds. People still remember the lives of the fabulously rich or visit their huge homes.
For every storekeeper with gaiters on his sleeves and a new-fangled cash register on his counter, there was a coal miner struggling to survive but doomed to labor underground to support his family - barely. Children like Pollyanna or Anne of Green Gables dressed in white lawn and played on broad green lawns, while others as young as four years old worked twelve-hour days in textile factories.
The population of many areas exploded, while that of others declined. England flourished, but Ireland lost millions of its people to famine, rotten social policies, and emigration. Many of the Irish came to America, which offered a hard life but held out hope they could find no where else. New advances in science and medicine threatened the foundations of religion, while advances in engineering opened up new worlds to exploration and exploitation.
Gambling, drinking, and prostitution were rife, as were reform efforts of churches and social organizations. Romanticism ruled, but realism was coming into its own as well in both art and theater. Modern engineering, medicine, social sciences, psychiatry, photography, and physical sciences all have their roots in this period.
Although there was great disparity between the prosperous and the poor, there was also opportunity for individual success. Industrialization was seen as a great good, but working class problems brought liberal politics to the fore. Newspaper editors became legendary figures, while great novelists chronicled both wealth and poverty. The Golden Age went on in all its glory and blindness.
Many recognize the period architecture, where the Gothic influence became increasingly evident. Those who drive west across America can see how the colonial style of the east gives way to gables and towers of homes reflecting the value placed on family life and keeping up with the neighbors. In England, the spa resorts were showcases for the wealth of both high society and rich merchants. The importance of sea air and mineral waters brought thousands to the seashore each season.
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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