The Victorian Age (the early years)

A new concept: welfare

A new concept developed: the idea that the State should look after the less fortunate members of society, by providing them with basic standards of living and by granting them certain rights. This was the beginning of the British welfare.

Wars in the name of free trade

Britain wanted free trade as they were the biggest manufacturers. British even traded with countries like China (opium) and the Turkish Empire. To preserve its commerce Britain even fought a war against Russia (the Crimean War).

Victorian Britain and its social contradictions

Despite being a rich and solid nation, Britain society was split in two: on the one hand, the wealthy and affluent aristocracy with their privileges and the upper middle class which enjoyed the benefits of progress and, on the other, the working class whose living conditions were poor if not desperate.

Victorian Britain was a solid, rich nation. Why?

Economy was very solid: industries were flourishing and production had a boost, thanks to the improvements in transport and to the concept of free trade.

What was Chartism?

However, the working classes tried to further improve their conditions by protesting and taking political actions. The Chartism Movement developed. It was named after a document, the People's Charter. It demanded the vote for all adult males, among other things. The 2ND Reform Act, later, granted the vote to all skilled working men.

Why was England a stable country from a social and political point of view?

In the years between 1830 and 1848, the rest of Europe was experiencing revolutions and social uprisings. In England there was stability. The Government made laws that, at least partially, reformed, improved, the social and economic conditions of the lower classes (working class and underclass). By granting these reforms the British government avoided revolutions and political violence.

What was her role?

She was a figurehead, the symbol of her country. She was a positive role model who influenced and inspired her people hugely. We can say that she embodied the spirit of her country.

An ideal constitutional monarch

She was a very strong-willed, wise monarch: she was the ideal constitutional monarch because she reigned but did not rule. She chose not to get involved in politics directly and let the Parliament decide on state matters. Moreover, she never took sides supporting one party or the other (Conservatives and Liberals). Her powers became gradually more moral and symbolic. By doing so, she provided stability.

The workhouses were a typical Victorian institution. What were they?

The 'workhouses' were a typical Victorian institution and the most typical expression of the Victorian welfare. They were places where members of the underclass, those members of society who were jobless and could not afford private accomodation (also orphans, people who lived off criminal activities etc) were housed, abandoning family life. They received support by the state and were offered free bread and bed but they were forced to work in factories. They wore a uniform and were deprived of their freedom. They were exploited and abused on the assumption that they needed to be taught how to become good citizens (the poor deserved to be poor).

Which were the main reforms introduced in the first part of Queen Victoria's reign?

The 1ST Reform Act: gave the vote to the middle class. The Factory Act: prevented children from working more than 48 hours a week. The 10 hours Act: limited the working hours for adults to 10 a day.

Why Victorian Age?

The Victorian Age is named after Queen Victoria, one of the most influential monarchs in the history of Britain.

The royal couple

They had 9 children and led a very modest and retired family life, away from the excesses of court. Their lifestyle was inspired by strict religious and moral views. By doing so, they provided an example of respectability, decorum and sobriety for their subjects. They were popular monarchs and loved especially by the middle class.

A colonial empire

Transportation on sea was improved thanks to the steam ships. So, Britain was able to expand its colonies in India as well as Africa and Australia. "The sun never sets on the British Empire", the Victorians used to say.

Who did she marry?

Victoria married Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha in 1840, her cousin, who aquired the title of Prince Consort. However, he was her main advisor; Victoria relied on his support and advice. Albert died prematurely at the age of 42 and Victoria was heartbroken, she retreated from public life and wore black for the rest of her life.

How long did her reign last?

Victoria reigned for a very long time. A member of the Hanover family, she came to the throne in 1837, at the age of 18, and died in 1901.