Victorian Era

Definition

The Victorian Era was a period of British history during the reign of Queen Victoria from 1837 to 1901, marked by significant industrial, cultural, political, scientific, and military changes. It was characterized by a strict social code and a booming economy due to the Industrial Revolution, which saw the rise of the steam engine and its applications transforming various industries. Additionally, this era influenced literature and art, leading to movements like realism that depicted everyday life and societal issues.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Victorian Era saw the expansion of the British Empire, making it one of the largest empires in history, influencing global politics and trade.
2. This period witnessed major advancements in technology, particularly with the steam engine, which revolutionized transportation and manufacturing.
3. Victorian society emphasized moral values and propriety, with strict codes governing behavior, particularly regarding gender roles and sexuality.
4. Literature from this time included famous authors like Charles Dickens and George Eliot, who used realism to address social issues such as poverty and inequality.
5. The era also faced challenges like class struggle, women's rights movements, and debates over imperialism, setting the stage for future societal changes.

Review Questions

• How did the Victorian Era influence technological advancements such as the steam engine?
  • The Victorian Era was a time of significant technological innovation fueled by the Industrial Revolution. The steam engine played a crucial role in transforming industries like manufacturing and transportation, enabling factories to operate more efficiently and railways to expand rapidly. This technological progress not only boosted the economy but also shaped societal structures as urbanization increased due to job opportunities created by these advancements.
• Discuss how realism in literature during the Victorian Era reflected societal changes and challenges.
  • Realism emerged as a dominant literary movement during the Victorian Era as writers sought to portray everyday life authentically. Authors like Charles Dickens depicted social issues such as poverty and class disparity, using their works to critique societal norms and injustices. This realistic approach allowed readers to engage with pressing social challenges of the time, emphasizing the need for reform and greater awareness of the struggles faced by ordinary people.
• Evaluate the impact of Victorian societal norms on gender roles and how these roles were challenged by emerging movements.
  • Victorian societal norms enforced strict gender roles that confined women to domestic duties while men dominated public life. However, this era also saw the rise of women's rights movements advocating for education, employment, and suffrage. The tension between traditional expectations and these emerging demands for equality highlighted deeper issues within Victorian society, paving the way for future feminist movements that would seek to dismantle oppressive structures and redefine women's roles in society.

Related terms

Industrial Revolution:

A period of rapid industrial growth and technological advancement in the late 18th and 19th centuries, leading to significant changes in manufacturing, transportation, and society.

Realism: An artistic and literary movement that emerged in the mid-19th century, focused on representing everyday life and ordinary people in a truthful manner, often critiquing social norms.

Social Darwinism:

A theory that applied Darwin's concept of natural selection to social issues, suggesting that societal progress resulted from the survival of the fittest within human societies.