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.
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.
Some lived lavishly and built spacious single family homes, while others lived in crowded tenements. The population exploded in England, while Ireland lost millions to famine and emigration - especially to America. Steel and glass became the new construction materials, railroads improved communication and commerce, and goods were traded around the world. Science, engineering, and medicine came into the modern age.
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.
Human nature began to be taken as more 'natural' than religion. Prosperity was seen as a right for the upper and middle classes, while the poverty of those lower on the social scale were seen by many as inevitable. Industry was considered the hope of the future, and it's ill effects taken as 'the cost of doing business'. However, giants in the newspaper industry and great novelists chronicled the plight of the poor and sought to change it.
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.
Some lived lavishly and built spacious single family homes, while others lived in crowded tenements. The population exploded in England, while Ireland lost millions to famine and emigration - especially to America. Steel and glass became the new construction materials, railroads improved communication and commerce, and goods were traded around the world. Science, engineering, and medicine came into the modern age.
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.
Human nature began to be taken as more 'natural' than religion. Prosperity was seen as a right for the upper and middle classes, while the poverty of those lower on the social scale were seen by many as inevitable. Industry was considered the hope of the future, and it's ill effects taken as 'the cost of doing business'. However, giants in the newspaper industry and great novelists chronicled the plight of the poor and sought to change it.
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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