Victorian EnglandCreated by Aaron Yonke

Bay Port High School Green Bay, WI

Characteristics of Victorian England

• The most prosperous period in British history.–Spanned 1837-1901 when England

was ruled by Queen Victoria–Pop. increased from 13 to 30.5 mil

Characteristics of Victorian England•Great economic growth.•New fields of expansion

shipbuilding from wood to iron.•British engineers building RRs all

over the world.•Britain’s foreign holdings nearly

doubled.

Great Britain is Everywhere!!!!

Importance of Victorian Era

•While rest of Europe was undergoing revolutions and turmoil, England was able to remain stable during Victorian Era

Queen Victoria

Longest serving Monarch in English history

1837-1901

Important British Prime Ministers

Conservative Benjamin Disraeli

Liberal William Gladstone

Start of Victorian Era• Events and reform laws passed

prior to Queen Victoria’s reign set foundation for Victorian Era

–1828 Catholic Emancipation Act•Catholics could now vote and be elected to Parliament

Great Reform Act 1832

–Abolished “rotten boroughs” and gave more representation to growing cities–50% of adult males could vote–Ushered in era of modern

democracy in England

British House of Commons passing Great Reform Act 1832

1833 Abolition of Slavery Act–Freed slaves under age of 6–Slaves over the age of 6 would be part slave part free for four more years–Salves owners paid for loss of slaves

Legislation of Victorian Era• 1867 Second Reform Act–Extended voting rights to all males

• 1870 replaced patronage system with service exam for govt. jobs• 1870 Education Act–Set up public elementary schools

Legislation of Victorian Era• 1875 Public Health Act–Set up sanitation standards

• 1875 Artisans Dwelling Act–Government started to provide low

cost housing to the working class• 1876 Trade Unions Act–Allowed unions to picket

End of Victorian Era•Thanks to reforms, GB remained a world power into 1900’s

•Reforms allowed GB to avoid the revolutions that characterized the 1800’s

•The sun never sets on the British Empire