History of British Social History of British Social and Cultureand Culture

Week 9Week 9

The Victorian EraThe Victorian Era

The Victorian EraThe Victorian Era

The long reign of Queen Victoria saw the rise of The long reign of Queen Victoria saw the rise of Britain to the zenith of its power as the Britain to the zenith of its power as the

‘‘workshop of the world’, undisputed workshop of the world’, undisputed ruler of the seas, and proud ruler of the seas, and proud

possessor of an empire possessor of an empire embracing one quarterembracing one quarter

of the world, of the world, with roots with roots in every in every continentcontinent

The Crowning of Queen VictoriaThe Crowning of Queen Victoria

Queen Victoria was the daughter of the Duke of Queen Victoria was the daughter of the Duke of Kent.Kent.

She was born in London after a long and very She was born in London after a long and very tiring journey from Amorsbach in Germany.tiring journey from Amorsbach in Germany.

The Duke of Kent was determined that her child The Duke of Kent was determined that her child should have been born in the capital because he should have been born in the capital because he had ever consulted with a fortune teller in had ever consulted with a fortune teller in Gibraltar who said that he would become a Gibraltar who said that he would become a father of the great queen.father of the great queen.

When Victoria was born, the reign of Britain was When Victoria was born, the reign of Britain was still held by George III who was completely still held by George III who was completely insane already.insane already.

The ChronologyThe Chronology So, the reign was in the hand of his eldest son, George So, the reign was in the hand of his eldest son, George

(later became George IV) who had been proclaimed (later became George IV) who had been proclaimed Prince Regent.Prince Regent.

On his death, the reign would either pass to his On his death, the reign would either pass to his daughter, Princess Charlotte or else to his brother, daughter, Princess Charlotte or else to his brother, William.William.

However, Charlotte died in childbirth.However, Charlotte died in childbirth. William did become King (as William IV), but he did not William did become King (as William IV), but he did not

have an heir.have an heir. William IV died at Windsor on 19 June, 1837. William IV died at Windsor on 19 June, 1837. Immediately afterwards, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Immediately afterwards, the Archbishop of Canterbury,

The Lord Chancellor and the royal physician hurried to The Lord Chancellor and the royal physician hurried to tell Victoria in Kensington Palace that she was now tell Victoria in Kensington Palace that she was now Queen of England.Queen of England.

The CoronationThe Coronation

Victoria’s coronation took place on 28 Victoria’s coronation took place on 28 June, 1838.June, 1838.

The day began with rain; but when she The day began with rain; but when she arrived at Westminster Abey, the sun arrived at Westminster Abey, the sun came out.came out.

Everybody agreed that it was a good sign.Everybody agreed that it was a good sign.Britain was delighted with the new Queen.Britain was delighted with the new Queen.

Crime and PunishmentCrime and Punishment At the beginning of the 19At the beginning of the 19thth century, most people in century, most people in

authority believed that fear of death was the only thing authority believed that fear of death was the only thing that deterred would-be-criminals.that deterred would-be-criminals.

In 1808, a reformer named William Romilly managed to In 1808, a reformer named William Romilly managed to persuade the House of Commons to accept persuade the House of Commons to accept transportation for life as an alternative to hanging transportation for life as an alternative to hanging convicted pick-pockets.convicted pick-pockets.

Since this crime tended to be the specialty of children, it Since this crime tended to be the specialty of children, it meant that fewer youngsters would mount the gallows meant that fewer youngsters would mount the gallows (to be hanged).(to be hanged).

However, in the early 19However, in the early 19thth century there were still 220 century there were still 220 different offences punishable by death. different offences punishable by death.

They ranged from big crimes such as murder and highway They ranged from big crimes such as murder and highway robbery to defacing (grafitting) Westminster Bridge in robbery to defacing (grafitting) Westminster Bridge in London, or stealing the equivalent of 25p from a shop.London, or stealing the equivalent of 25p from a shop.

In 1820s, Sir Robert Peel, introduced penal reform which In 1820s, Sir Robert Peel, introduced penal reform which reduced the number by half. reduced the number by half.

But the law was still harsh.But the law was still harsh. In 1830 a group of starving farm labourers rioted for a In 1830 a group of starving farm labourers rioted for a

wage of 12.5p a day; nineteen of them were hanged, about wage of 12.5p a day; nineteen of them were hanged, about 505 sentenced to deportation.505 sentenced to deportation.

Reform was slowly taking place.Reform was slowly taking place. Eventually by 1838, murder and attempted murder were Eventually by 1838, murder and attempted murder were

the only crimes punished by hanging.the only crimes punished by hanging. The last public execution occurred in 1863.The last public execution occurred in 1863. In 1867 transportation to Australia came to an end.In 1867 transportation to Australia came to an end.

New Police ForceNew Police Force In Ireland, the Duke of Wellington established an In Ireland, the Duke of Wellington established an

effective police force.effective police force. In 1829, the Metropolitan Police was founded In 1829, the Metropolitan Police was founded

and its office was set up in Scotland Yard.and its office was set up in Scotland Yard. The men (known as ‘peelers’ or ‘bobbies’ after The men (known as ‘peelers’ or ‘bobbies’ after

their founder –Sir Robert Peel) wore top hats, their founder –Sir Robert Peel) wore top hats, belted blue frock coats, and carried truncheons.belted blue frock coats, and carried truncheons.

At first they were treated with hostility. But At first they were treated with hostility. But gradually the suspicion melted away and they gradually the suspicion melted away and they became respected.became respected.

By the middle of the century, most of the urban By the middle of the century, most of the urban areas in Britain had police forces.areas in Britain had police forces.

Scotland YardScotland Yard Scotland Yard, popular name for the headquarters of Scotland Yard, popular name for the headquarters of

London's Metropolitan Police Force, and especially its London's Metropolitan Police Force, and especially its Criminal Investigation Department. Criminal Investigation Department.

The name is derived from a small area where the The name is derived from a small area where the headquarters was situated from 1829 to 1890. The area, in headquarters was situated from 1829 to 1890. The area, in turn, was named after a medieval palace in which the kings turn, was named after a medieval palace in which the kings and queens of Scotland resided during state visits to London.and queens of Scotland resided during state visits to London.

The custom of referring to the headquarters and its officers as The custom of referring to the headquarters and its officers as Scotland Yard began soon after the Metropolitan Police Force Scotland Yard began soon after the Metropolitan Police Force was reorganized by the British statesman Sir Robert Peel in was reorganized by the British statesman Sir Robert Peel in 1829. The headquarters was moved in 1890 to new buildings 1829. The headquarters was moved in 1890 to new buildings erected on the Thames Embankment, which were known as erected on the Thames Embankment, which were known as New Scotland Yard. New Scotland Yard.

In 1967 the present headquarters, a modern 20-story building In 1967 the present headquarters, a modern 20-story building situated near the Houses of Parliament, was opened.situated near the Houses of Parliament, was opened.

Education DevelopmentEducation Development A 19A 19thth century reformer once stated that a certain new century reformer once stated that a certain new

building could be used equally well for a prison or a building could be used equally well for a prison or a school.school.

When Queen Victoria came to the throne, about one-When Queen Victoria came to the throne, about one-third of Britain’s working class children were completely third of Britain’s working class children were completely uneducated.uneducated.

In 1833, the House of Commons agreed to an annual In 1833, the House of Commons agreed to an annual grant to be spent on school buildlings. But it was only grant to be spent on school buildlings. But it was only £20,000 and it did not go very far.£20,000 and it did not go very far.

Later on, there were better changes.Later on, there were better changes. The Reform Act of 1867 made it possible for working The Reform Act of 1867 made it possible for working

men in towns to vote at elections. But it was ridiculous men in towns to vote at elections. But it was ridiculous since many voters could not read.since many voters could not read.

Further DevelopmentFurther Development Education made compulsory until the age of 13; and Education made compulsory until the age of 13; and

parents who could not afford to pay fees received help.parents who could not afford to pay fees received help. Free education in all British elementary schools was not Free education in all British elementary schools was not

introduced until 1891.introduced until 1891. For middle and upper class boys, there were either the For middle and upper class boys, there were either the

fashionable public (private) schools, such as Eton and fashionable public (private) schools, such as Eton and Harrow, or grammar schools.Harrow, or grammar schools.

The majority of public schools taught only Latin and The majority of public schools taught only Latin and Greek. There was very little discipline: bullying, rioting Greek. There was very little discipline: bullying, rioting and drinking.and drinking.

They tended to produce villains rather than intelligent They tended to produce villains rather than intelligent gentlemen.gentlemen.

Introducing new subjects to schoolIntroducing new subjects to school

Dr Thomas Arnold introduced mathematics, modern history Dr Thomas Arnold introduced mathematics, modern history and modern languages to the curriculum.and modern languages to the curriculum.

No less important, he devised a system in which senior boys No less important, he devised a system in which senior boys were given responsibility, known as monitors or prefects.were given responsibility, known as monitors or prefects.

As time went on, many grammar schools began to take in As time went on, many grammar schools began to take in boarders and became public schools.boarders and became public schools.

But as in the case of elementary schools, more attention was But as in the case of elementary schools, more attention was paid to cramming facts into the pupils’ heads than to teaching paid to cramming facts into the pupils’ heads than to teaching them how to think.them how to think.

Since sending boys to public schools cost a good deal of Since sending boys to public schools cost a good deal of money, there was not always enough left over to pay for their money, there was not always enough left over to pay for their sisters’ educations. The popular view was that it did not very sisters’ educations. The popular view was that it did not very much matter. A man needed such a background to succeed much matter. A man needed such a background to succeed in the world. Most of the professions were closed to women.in the world. Most of the professions were closed to women.

Higher EducationHigher Education University education was more advanced in University education was more advanced in

Scotland than in England, where it was still very Scotland than in England, where it was still very much in the hands of the church.much in the hands of the church.

There were no science laboratories at Oxford There were no science laboratories at Oxford until 1855.until 1855.

Though slow, there was progress.Though slow, there was progress. Mechanics’ Institute emerged. It originated from Mechanics’ Institute emerged. It originated from

Scotland and spread out to towns throughout Scotland and spread out to towns throughout industrial England.industrial England.

These were more concerned with teaching the These were more concerned with teaching the classics than with passing on scientific classics than with passing on scientific knowledge.knowledge.

New ImpressionsNew Impressions England had been transformed into an industrial site with England had been transformed into an industrial site with

large factory buildings.large factory buildings. The scene was also coloured with the criss-cross of The scene was also coloured with the criss-cross of

railway lines, growing cities, and newly built houses railway lines, growing cities, and newly built houses crammed with expensive possessions.crammed with expensive possessions.

However, beyond the cities there was terrible poverty. However, beyond the cities there was terrible poverty. Unemployment was commonplace.Unemployment was commonplace.

For such people, the only chance of survival was the For such people, the only chance of survival was the workhouse. It was created by The New Poor Law of workhouse. It was created by The New Poor Law of 1834. It was a terrible place, no better than prison.1834. It was a terrible place, no better than prison.

Married coupled had to be separated. The food was Married coupled had to be separated. The food was extremely bad.extremely bad.

Many men were employed on breaking up stones for the Many men were employed on breaking up stones for the road.road.

It was little better than the job given to a criminal It was little better than the job given to a criminal sentenced to hard labour.sentenced to hard labour.

In Ireland, the poverty was fearful. In Ireland, the poverty was fearful. In 1828 for instance, the population of Cork was In 1828 for instance, the population of Cork was

117,000. Of this 60,000 were paupers – 20,000 did not 117,000. Of this 60,000 were paupers – 20,000 did not even have beds.even have beds.

They depended on potatoes. If the crop was good, they They depended on potatoes. If the crop was good, they had just enough to eat. But if not they were in hunger.had just enough to eat. But if not they were in hunger.

In 1845, the Great Famine began. During the year and In 1845, the Great Famine began. During the year and the following year, 700,000 people died.the following year, 700,000 people died.

In the Highlands of Scotland, the small farmers faced In the Highlands of Scotland, the small farmers faced another peril (extreme danger): sheep.another peril (extreme danger): sheep.

Sheep farmers were prepared to pay a landlord more Sheep farmers were prepared to pay a landlord more money than poor farmers could afford.money than poor farmers could afford.

What’s more, they paid punctually.What’s more, they paid punctually. People were swept off the land by a tide of animals; People were swept off the land by a tide of animals;

nobody wanted them.nobody wanted them. Like the unemployed and the starving, they were thrown Like the unemployed and the starving, they were thrown

on the human scrap heap.on the human scrap heap. The only answer was to emigrate.The only answer was to emigrate. The United States, Canada, Australia and other places The United States, Canada, Australia and other places

overseas seemed to be lands of opportunity.overseas seemed to be lands of opportunity.

Emigration TradeEmigration Trade The story of emigration trade was another scandal.The story of emigration trade was another scandal. Emigrants were robbed by villainous travel agentsEmigrants were robbed by villainous travel agents Many of them never reached the other side of the Atlantic.Many of them never reached the other side of the Atlantic. Typhus, caused by lice, caused many to die on the voyage.Typhus, caused by lice, caused many to die on the voyage. The vessels were known as “fever ships.”The vessels were known as “fever ships.” When a quarantine was established on Grosse Isle, it was When a quarantine was established on Grosse Isle, it was

soon nick-named “Death Isle.”soon nick-named “Death Isle.” On one day in May, 1847 there were 856 cases of typhus On one day in May, 1847 there were 856 cases of typhus

and cholera in the island’s hospital – 470 on the ships and cholera in the island’s hospital – 470 on the ships waiting to disembark. And the patients were dying at the waiting to disembark. And the patients were dying at the rate of eleven a day.rate of eleven a day.

This was a fine time to live in Britain – if you were rich, if This was a fine time to live in Britain – if you were rich, if you had a job, if you were wanted. But if not, it was better you had a job, if you were wanted. But if not, it was better to be in gaol.to be in gaol.

The Great ExhibitionThe Great Exhibition In February 1840, Queen Victoria married Prince Albert.In February 1840, Queen Victoria married Prince Albert. Albert was a serious young man. He believed in duty, Albert was a serious young man. He believed in duty,

industry, morality and the importance of home life.industry, morality and the importance of home life. But above all, he was very delighted in technical progress.But above all, he was very delighted in technical progress. One day Albert had an idea for a great exhibition, which One day Albert had an idea for a great exhibition, which

would show Britain’s industrial skill to the world.would show Britain’s industrial skill to the world. It was held in Hyde Park in London.It was held in Hyde Park in London. The idea of Robert Paxton was accepted. The exhibition The idea of Robert Paxton was accepted. The exhibition

was housed in a was housed in a crystal palace.crystal palace. It was opened on 1 May, 1851 by Queen Victoria, held for It was opened on 1 May, 1851 by Queen Victoria, held for

140 days, attended by over six million people from around 140 days, attended by over six million people from around the world. the world.

Queen Victoria herself visited it no less than 34 times.Queen Victoria herself visited it no less than 34 times.

Chaos in the CrimeaChaos in the Crimea Soldiers in the 19Soldiers in the 19thth century were not expected to think. century were not expected to think. Nicholas I, Tsar of Russia considered that Turkey had Nicholas I, Tsar of Russia considered that Turkey had

been so weak, so he planned to occupy the whole been so weak, so he planned to occupy the whole Turkey.Turkey.

This made Britain upsetThis made Britain upset In short, the battle happened between Russia and Britain In short, the battle happened between Russia and Britain

in Sebastopol, Balaclava and Crimea.in Sebastopol, Balaclava and Crimea. The trained nurse, Florence Nightingale, and her teams The trained nurse, Florence Nightingale, and her teams

arrived in Crimea to help the British soldiers who were arrived in Crimea to help the British soldiers who were suffering from diseases.suffering from diseases.

The war ended with Treaty of Berlin.The war ended with Treaty of Berlin.

The Crimean WarThe Crimean War The Crimean War was The Crimean War was

fought between Russia fought between Russia and the allied forces of and the allied forces of the United Kingdom, the United Kingdom, France, the Ottoman France, the Ottoman Empire, and Sardinia. It Empire, and Sardinia. It began on the Crimean began on the Crimean peninsula in 1853. The peninsula in 1853. The allies objected to allies objected to expanding Russian power expanding Russian power in the Black Sea area and in the Black Sea area and to the seizing of land from to the seizing of land from the Ottoman Empire. the Ottoman Empire. Russia was defeated in Russia was defeated in 1856.1856.

The Map of Crimean WarThe Map of Crimean War

Mutiny in IndiaMutiny in India During Queen Victoria’s reign, the British Empire During Queen Victoria’s reign, the British Empire

stretched from the West Indies to the Far East, from stretched from the West Indies to the Far East, from Canada to South Africa.Canada to South Africa.

India was the jewel.India was the jewel. Strangely, India was not ruled by the Queen nor by her Strangely, India was not ruled by the Queen nor by her

government, but by businessmen headquartered in government, but by businessmen headquartered in London.London.

These men were directors of East India Company – These men were directors of East India Company – which had its own army, officials and traditions.which had its own army, officials and traditions.

The objective was to make money.The objective was to make money. Its officials paid little attention to Indian believes and Its officials paid little attention to Indian believes and

customs.customs.

In fact, Indians were Muslims or Hindus.In fact, Indians were Muslims or Hindus. To put matters right, missionaries were imported to To put matters right, missionaries were imported to

convert these unbelievers to the Christian faith.convert these unbelievers to the Christian faith. The Indian soldiers were afraid of the missionaries. They The Indian soldiers were afraid of the missionaries. They

were afraid of being converted by force.were afraid of being converted by force. Firstly, their allowance was cut. They were in bad mood: Firstly, their allowance was cut. They were in bad mood:

half afraid, half angry and ready to listen to rumours.half afraid, half angry and ready to listen to rumours. The last occurrence happened in May 1857, when the The last occurrence happened in May 1857, when the

soldiers (sepoys) were issued with cartridges for their soldiers (sepoys) were issued with cartridges for their new Lee Enfield rifles.new Lee Enfield rifles.

They were greased with a mixture of cow and pig fat.They were greased with a mixture of cow and pig fat.

On 10 May, 1857, the Indian Mutiny began on the On 10 May, 1857, the Indian Mutiny began on the parade ground at Meerhut. parade ground at Meerhut.

The sepoys were ordered to practice using the new The sepoys were ordered to practice using the new cartridges. They refusedcartridges. They refused

When the British colonel repeated the order, they turned When the British colonel repeated the order, they turned on their officers, killing several of them.on their officers, killing several of them.

From this moment, the mutiny spread rapidly.From this moment, the mutiny spread rapidly. Entire European communities – women, children and Entire European communities – women, children and

men were wiped out. Many atrocities were committed by men were wiped out. Many atrocities were committed by both the mutineers and British soldiers.both the mutineers and British soldiers.

Peace was proclaimed on 8 July, 1858. In August that Peace was proclaimed on 8 July, 1858. In August that year, the India Act was passed.year, the India Act was passed.

Missionaries importedto India

Sepoys were anxious,afraid of their arrivalin India

Allowance cut andcartridges greased

with cow andpig fat

Sepoys killed British officials duringtheir practice

of the new rifles

The mutiny spreadall the country with

atrocities.ended with

India Act 1858

INDIAN MUTINY

About Queen VictoriaAbout Queen Victoria When Queen Victoria came to throne, she had been a When Queen Victoria came to throne, she had been a

light hearted girl.light hearted girl. She had enjoyed going for long rides with her first Prime She had enjoyed going for long rides with her first Prime

Minister, Lord Melbourne.Minister, Lord Melbourne. In the evenings, she had liked to dance and to play In the evenings, she had liked to dance and to play

games.games. Her marriage to Prince Albert changed her.Her marriage to Prince Albert changed her. She had nine children. One of them was Edward who She had nine children. One of them was Edward who

later became Edward VII.later became Edward VII. She always promoted that women should remain in the She always promoted that women should remain in the

background, playing their roles as mother.background, playing their roles as mother.

The Widowed QueenThe Widowed Queen

In November, 1861, Prince Albert became ill with In November, 1861, Prince Albert became ill with typhoid fever.typhoid fever.

He died on 14 December, 1861.He died on 14 December, 1861. Queen Victoria was broken-hearted.Queen Victoria was broken-hearted. ““My life as a happy one is endedMy life as a happy one is ended.”.” She withdrew from public life.She withdrew from public life. Her children began to take some of her duties.Her children began to take some of her duties. After two years of seclusion, people began to After two years of seclusion, people began to

wonder what was the point of having a Queen wonder what was the point of having a Queen whom nobody ever saw.whom nobody ever saw.

The Resurgence of the QueenThe Resurgence of the Queen At last, in March, 1864, Queen Victoria ended At last, in March, 1864, Queen Victoria ended

her silence by sending a letter to her silence by sending a letter to The Times The Times newspaper, explaining her conduct.newspaper, explaining her conduct.

She appeared in public again and took a more She appeared in public again and took a more active part in government.active part in government.

Nobody could ever take the place of Albert.Nobody could ever take the place of Albert. She erected monuments to him wherever it She erected monuments to him wherever it

seemed to be suitable.seemed to be suitable. The greatest was in Hyde Park, London, which The greatest was in Hyde Park, London, which

cost cost £60,000 and was designed by Sir Gilbert £60,000 and was designed by Sir Gilbert Scott who also built St Pancras railway station in Scott who also built St Pancras railway station in London.London.

Passing the TimePassing the Time The 19The 19thth century was an important time for sport. century was an important time for sport. Not many new major outdoor games were invented, but the Not many new major outdoor games were invented, but the

existing ones were standardized in rules and organizations.existing ones were standardized in rules and organizations. Some ways of passing the time, such as cock-fighting, bear Some ways of passing the time, such as cock-fighting, bear

baiting and public executions.baiting and public executions. In the second half of the century, those were considered In the second half of the century, those were considered

illegal.illegal. Boxing was born in 1867.Boxing was born in 1867. In 1846 football rules were made more proper.In 1846 football rules were made more proper. Seventeen years later Football Association (FA) was Seventeen years later Football Association (FA) was

formed.formed. The first FA Cup final was played in 1872 at the Oval in The first FA Cup final was played in 1872 at the Oval in

London.London.

Other sports such as cricket and lawn Other sports such as cricket and lawn tennis were introduced.tennis were introduced.

Many people enjoyed reading novels in Many people enjoyed reading novels in their evening times.their evening times.

Gramophone was invented.Gramophone was invented.On 26 June, 1896, the first cinema was On 26 June, 1896, the first cinema was

opened in New Orleans. It was called opened in New Orleans. It was called “Vitascope”“Vitascope”

Trouble in IrelandTrouble in Ireland

Many Irish people were not happy if their Many Irish people were not happy if their country to be the part of Britain.country to be the part of Britain.

In 1798, the Irish attempted an In 1798, the Irish attempted an unsuccessful rebellion.unsuccessful rebellion.

In short, the Irish wanted to rule In short, the Irish wanted to rule themselves, and the Prime Minister, themselves, and the Prime Minister, Gladstone would gladly allow it. But the Gladstone would gladly allow it. But the Conservatives had other idea. Conservatives had other idea.

The Great EmpireThe Great Empire On 22 June, 1897, Queen Victoria celebrated her On 22 June, 1897, Queen Victoria celebrated her

Diamond Jubilee.Diamond Jubilee. Before setting out in procession to St Paul’s Cathedral, Before setting out in procession to St Paul’s Cathedral,

she went into the telegraph room at Buckingham Palace.she went into the telegraph room at Buckingham Palace. She pressed an electric button.She pressed an electric button. Within seconds, a message was being transmitted to Within seconds, a message was being transmitted to

every corner of her Empire.every corner of her Empire. It read: It read: “From my heart I thank my people. May God “From my heart I thank my people. May God

bless thembless them.”.” This was the largest Empire ever known. This was the largest Empire ever known. The Union Jack flew over lands covering nearly a quarter The Union Jack flew over lands covering nearly a quarter

of the earth’s surface, and was saluted by nearly a of the earth’s surface, and was saluted by nearly a quarter of the world’s population.quarter of the world’s population.

BRITISH EMPIREBRITISH EMPIRE

Since the Mutiny, Indian affairs had been Since the Mutiny, Indian affairs had been taken over by the Government.taken over by the Government.

In 1876, on Disraeli’s advice, Queen In 1876, on Disraeli’s advice, Queen Victoria had proclaimed herself Empress Victoria had proclaimed herself Empress of India.of India.

Queen Victoria died in 1901.Queen Victoria died in 1901.