There are a few clearly marked periods of western history that make fascinating study. Think about the Roman Empire, for example, or the Middle Ages. One closer to home is the Victorian era, spanning the long life of Britain's great Queen Victoria. This complex period was one of extreme contrasts, with wealth and unlimited opportunity for many and dire, inescapable poverty for others. It was truly the beginning of modern history and therefore well worth the attention of us today.
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.
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.
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.
Although this period is seen as morally strict, this perception is flawed. Family life was paramount to the Queen, and social rules were rigid. However, gambling, prostitution, and drinking were rampant, giving rise to great reform movements of prohibition and evangelism. Romanticism held sway in art and drama, but realism was coming into its own. Photography started during this era, as did psychiatry.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Although this period is seen as morally strict, this perception is flawed. Family life was paramount to the Queen, and social rules were rigid. However, gambling, prostitution, and drinking were rampant, giving rise to great reform movements of prohibition and evangelism. Romanticism held sway in art and drama, but realism was coming into its own. Photography started during this era, as did psychiatry.
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.
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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