Vic-History

See Timeline of Events __Political History__
 * Victorian History **(1837-1901)
 * The Victorian Era is the time period in which Queen Victoria reigned over the United Kingdom.
 * The Victorian time period was a time in which both lower and middle class demand reforms. Their demands would be later met by Parliamentary reform.
 * The Reform Acts of the time period extended voting rights to those formerly unable to vote.
 * The early 19th century brought prosperous time for the British people, as many profits were made from overseas trade and industrial development. Although, these new industrial developments would bring problems as well.
 * Under the reign of Queen Victoria a middle class emerged both educated and employed.
 * Although characterized by a long era of peace, the Victorian era was characterized by British involvement in economic expansion, industrial consolidation, imperialism, colonial conflict, and war.
 * The House of Commons was led by two emerging separate parties. The Whigs, who were largely liberal, and the Tories, who were largely conservative.
 * Also, consuming much of the attention of the Victorian reign and its imperialism efforts were the unsolved problems of Irish Home Rule, an issue of who would rule over the Irish territory. The issue eventually resulted in a political settlement between the two with Ireland becoming independent.

__Social History__
 * During the Victorian era, the population of the United Kingdom was continually rising at an almost exponential rate. From 1851 to 1901 the population almost doubled, rising from 16.8 million to 30.5 million.
 * During the Victorian period, Gothic Revival architecture became increasingly more significant, establishing a sort of rival between Gothic and Classical styles as well as ideas.
 * The middle of the 19th century was host to The Great Exhibition of 1851, a World Fair in which some of the greatest innovations of the century were revealed. The Crystal Palace, a massive glass house 1848 feet by 454 feet housed the show. The innovations included new industrial technologies and designs. Among notable inventions revealed was the emergence of photography. This new invention would result in changes in Victorian Art inspiring Impressionistic and Social Realist techniques of art. Queen Victoria was the first British Monarch photogr[[image:http://agora.virtualmuseum.ca/media/EN/uploads/thumbnail/i28902-2v.jpg align="right" caption="Children work in coal mines to help provide for their poor families. http://agora.virtualmuseum.ca/media/EN/uploads/image/i28902_2.jpg"]]aphed
 * A huge population spark, rapid urbanization, and Industrial Revolution largely led to the uprising of poverty, especially for Britain. Because industrialization had made jobs menial, many where unemployed and wages continually decreased. Along with this problem, proper housing was rare creating a need for tenements, which was cheap housing with poor conditions.
 * Because economic times were hard for most families, children of the poor were expected to work. Many children performed tough and dangerous jobs and received very little wage. The employment of children was so high that the percentage of kids ages 5-15 in school was about 50%
 * Known as "The Great Social Evil" of the 19th century prostitution was becoming an increasing concern. William Acton reported that there were 8,600 prostitutes in London alone by 1857. Prostitution was in some cases the only way a woman could provide for her family. Prostitution found its was in to various works of sentimental literature, portraying the prostitutes as victims.

__Technology, Engineering, and Medicine__
 * Technological advancements in the 19th century greatly influenced the ability to communicate quicker and travel faster. Inventions such as railways, canals, and steam ships decreased the time necessary to send a message. In the late 19th century these modems of communication and travel could be replaced by telegraph, telephone, car, and aircraft. Photography was also invented in the mid 19th century.
 * Due to sanitation reforms a new sewage system in London pioneered sanitation improvements.
 * The incandescent light, invented by Thomas Edison could be seen on every street corner and factory
 * An advancement in dentistry and surgery took place thanks to the development of better anesthetics make painless procedure possible.

__Religion__
 * Revival of religious activity led a significant role in the development of the 19th century.
 * Much like the strict moral code in Puritan times, the Bible was taken as literal truth and was obeyed by those who feared a God that would punish for immoral behavior.
 * A new foundation of moral behavior known as Victorianism was established. Through strict adherence to this moral code it was thought that religion could end crime and poverty.
 * Because of a strong religious movement, religion was incorporated in many works of literature and textbooks in the early part of the century.
 * Later 19th century brought advances in science and technology and with both came new theories and beliefs. Charles Darwin's Evolution of the Species had many second guessing their acceptance of the Bible as the only truth.
 * Although evolution's surge had left religion as little more than a moral suggestion, religion remained an inspiration for writers, architects, painters, and reformers.

__Unifying Principles__ The Victorian age, along with the many problems of industrialization, brought many new inventions, styles, theories, reforms, and movements. Inventions such as the railway decreased travel time and improved communication. Theories of evolution transcended former religious ideas. Political and social reforms led to the development of a middle class and the improvement of quality of life. Nicknamed the Second English Renaissance, the Victorian age was an exciting and complex time.

The new shift towards modern times and industrialization can be seen in various literary works of the time period. It is obvious that the Victorian Era and its rapid new development played a major role in inspiring writers, poets, artists, and musicians.

For information on the Victorian Era visit: www.victorianweb.org

Sources: Miller, Ilana. "The Victorian Era (1837 - 1901)." victorias past. Web. 19 Nov 2009. . Malheiro, B. "Victorian Period-Religion." Victorian Period. 2009. webmaster, Web. 19 Nov 2009. . Snodgrass, Chris. "Victorian Age Timeline." UFL. 2003. Web. 19 Nov 2009. . Everett, Glenn. "English History Timeline." victorianweb. 11 Oct 2002. Web. 19 Nov 2009. . "Victorian Era." Wikipedia. Web. .