Here are some key points in the history of Victorian Britain from 1830 to 1865:
- Queen Victoria’s Reign (1837-1901):
- Queen Victoria ascended to the throne in 1837 after the death of her uncle, William IV. Her reign lasted for over 60 years, making her the longest-reigning British monarch.
- The Victorian era was marked by significant social, economic, and technological changes. It witnessed the expansion of Britain’s industrial power and the growth of the British empire12.
- Literary Influence:
- Charles Dickens, one of the greatest Victorian novelists, published works that highlighted contemporary social issues. His novels, including “Oliver Twist,” “The Pickwick Papers,” and “Great Expectations,” shed light on social evils and resonated with readers1.
- Chartism Movement (1838):
- The People’s Charter advocated democratic reforms based on six points:
- One man, one vote
- Equal electoral districts
- Payment of members of parliament
- Elections by secret ballot
- Removal of property qualifications for MPs
- Annual parliamentary elections
- Chartism gained substantial support among working-class people and presented three national petitions to parliament in 1839, 1842, and 1849. It was a significant radical pressure group during the 19th century1.
- The People’s Charter advocated democratic reforms based on six points:
- Abolition of Slavery (1838):
- In 1834, slaves in the British empire entered an ‘apprenticeship’ period, during which they worked without pay for their former owners.
- Slavery was abolished in the British Caribbean in 1838, freeing over 700,000 slaves. Plantation owners received compensation, but the former slaves received nothing1.
- Railway Boom (1838):
- The London-Birmingham railway line opened in 1838, connecting London to the Midlands. Designed by engineer Robert Stephenson, it was the first railway line into the capital city, leading to the first of the great railway booms1.
- Political Crisis (1839):
- Prime Minister Viscount Melbourne resigned, sparking a political crisis. Queen Victoria asked Sir Robert Peel, leader of the Tory opposition, to form a government1.
These events shaped Victorian Britain during this transformative period, leaving a lasting impact on society, politics, and culture.
