Victorian Age Overview

A period of significant economic and social change in Britain, marked by industrial growth, scientific advancements and social reforms.

A major piece of legislation passed in 1832, significantly expanding voting rights in Britain. It shifted voting power from small towns to larger industrial centers.

A law enacted in 1833 that aimed to improve working conditions for children and young adults.

A law established in 1834 that created workhouses, institutions intended to provide basic necessities for the poor in exchange for labor.

Institutions created by the Poor Law Amendment Act, designed to provide shelter and a basic living to the poor in exchange for work but often characterized by harsh conditions.

A severe famine that struck Ireland in the mid-19th century, primarily due to the failure of potato crops due to disease and bad weather.

The period of rapid industrial growth and technological advancements that marked Britain in the late 18th and 19th centuries, leading to significant social and economic changes.

The process of people leaving their countries and moving to other places, often driven by economic hardship or seeking better opportunities.

A period of rapid industrial growth in England during the 19th century, characterized by advancements in technology, infrastructure, and economic development.

A large exhibition showcasing Britain's industrial and economic achievements to the world, held in London's Hyde Park in 1851.

The first underground railway system in the world, built in London during the mid-19th century, revolutionizing transportation and urban development.

A series of wars fought by England against China in the mid-19th century, primarily focused on suppressing the opium trade.

A war fought between Russia and an alliance of nations including England, France, and the Ottoman Empire in the mid-19th century, primarily over control of the Crimean Peninsula.

The British political party led by William Gladstone, known for its focus on education and social reforms.

The British political party led by Benjamin Disraeli, known for its emphasis on social welfare and traditional values.

A series of reforms enacted by the Liberal Party in England, aimed at improving education, social services, and workers' rights.

A term used to describe the contradictions and complexities of Victorian society, where progress, reform and political stability coexisted with poverty, injustice, and traditional values.

A belief system that emphasizes the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Actions are considered morally right if they lead to happiness and wrong if they lead to its opposite.

A belief system based on the Bible and its teachings, emphasizing personal piety and moral conduct.

A philosophical approach that emphasizes observation, experimentation, and evidence-based reasoning.

A theory that proposes that all living organisms have evolved over time through a process of gradual change and adaptation in which individuals with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.

A social and political ideology that advocates for a society in which the means of production are owned and controlled by the people rather than by private individuals or corporations.

A political movement that sought to bring about a socialist society gradually, through legislative reforms rather than through a revolution.

The period in Victorian England that saw the rise of new scientific discoveries and challenges to traditional beliefs, particularly in the fields of geology, biology, archaeology, and astronomy.

A type of novel that focuses on the social and economic issues of a particular class or situation, often exploring themes of wealth, status, and manners.

A type of novel that combines humor with a serious message, aiming to raise awareness and inspire change for those less fortunate. It often focuses on social problems and injustices.

A type of novel that charts the journey of a character's development from childhood to adulthood, exploring their transformation and growth.

This type of novel focuses on pure storytelling, offering entertainment and amusement without a specific moral or message.

A type of novel that reflects a sense of crisis in moral and religious values, often showcasing the complexities of societal issues and the struggle for meaning in a changing world.

A type of novel that explores the complexities of characters' minds, often focusing on their inner struggles, conflicting emotions, and irrational motivations. It depicts the duality of human nature and the contradictions within individuals and society.

A type of literature that celebrates British power, civilization, and progress, often portraying imperial expansion and exploration in a positive light.

A type of performance that combines music, dance, and comedy, often featuring lighthearted, comedic skits and variety acts.

A type of play that relies heavily on dramatic and sensational events, often featuring heroes, villains, and exaggerated situations.

A type of play that uses humor to expose the flaws and hypocrisies of society, often featuring witty dialogue and satirical observations.

The idea that a nation's strength and identity are based on its racial purity and superiority, often leading to discrimination and prejudice against minority groups.

The American Civil War (1861-1865) was a major conflict between the Union (North) and the Confederacy (South) over the issue of slavery. The North was industrialized and opposed slavery, while the South relied on slave labor for its economy. The war resulted in the abolition of slavery and a unified America.

A period of intense industrial growth in the North, driven by immigration from Europe, which led to increased urbanization and economic development.

The South's economy was based on large-scale tobacco and cotton plantations, relying heavily on slave labor. This reliance on slavery led to social and economic inequalities and ultimately sparked the Civil War.

The Ku Klux Klan (KKK) was a racist and violent organization that emerged after the Civil War, targeting black people and their families. The KKK's actions perpetuated segregation and denied blacks their rights.

Lincoln was known for his unwavering commitment to preserving the Union and advocating for the abolition of slavery. His leadership during the Civil War was crucial in achieving these goals.

Walt Whitman's poignant poem, "O Captain! My Captain!" expresses the deep sadness and loss felt after Lincoln's assassination. The poem celebrates Lincoln's leadership and the sacrifices made during the Civil War.