Key themes and developments

Over the period there were changes and developments in every sphere of life. Key themes
included the following.
The Industrial Revolution
This was made up of technological, scientific and industrial innovations (e.g. mass
production, steam engines, railways, sewing machines, gas and electric light, the telegraph,
cars) that led to an enormous expansion of production, particularly through the factory
system. There were huge social costs: the dehumanisation of work, child labour, pollution,
and the growth of cities where poverty, filth and disease flourished. Child labour and poverty
were also a feature of rural life, where farm work involved long hours, very low pay and
exposure to all weathers.
Population growth and migration
Between 1801 and 1871 alone the population of the UK doubled. Migration in both directions
was a feature of Victorian life. Many Britons left the UK for America or the colonies in search
of a better life. The Irish poor formed a large number of these migrants, especially after the
Irish potato famine: the Irish moved in large numbers to England and Scotland, as well as
abroad. Within the UK as a whole, people moved from the countryside into the new industrial
cities to find work. Migrants from across the world also settled in Britain, notably Jews from
Europe and Russia.
Social reforms
As a result of early campaigns by people such as Michael Sadler and the Earl of
Shaftesbury, and reports by parliamentary commissions, legislation protecting child and adult
workers began to be enacted. Important reforms included legislation on child labour, safety
in mines and factories, public health and education (by 1876 education was compulsory for
all children up to the age of 10). There was also prison reform and the establishment of the
police.
The rise of the middle classes
Society was hierarchical, yet there was much social and geographical mobility. Self-made
entrepreneurs used their new wealth to rise in society, building large houses, educating their
children and employing domestic servants (by the 1880s 1.25 million people were employed
in domestic service - more than in any other work category). (For more on the urban middle
classes and their servants see Urban spaces.)
The growth of democracy
The franchise was gradually extended to the working classes, until by the end of the period
there was universal suffrage for men. The fight for votes for women was in full swing, but it
was not until 1930 that women achieved the same voting rights as men. (For the suffrages
and votes for women see the 'Upstairs-downstairs' story you can download from Urban
spaces cross-curricular work: History.)
Expansion of Empire
Before the start of the 19th century Britain had already lost her American Empire, and was
acquiring another in India. Her accumulation of additional territory across the globe
continued steadily. The Great Exhibition of 1851 displayed the wonders of both industry and
Empire. Tied up with the Empire were Britain's trading dominance, naval and military

strength, and competition for territory against other European nations. By the end of
Victoria's reign imperialists could boast that the sun never set upon the British Empire.
Idealisation of the family
The ideal of family - respectable and loving, dominated the Victorian period. The cult of the
home grew steadily, with Queen Victoria and her family providing a role model for the nation.
The growth of leisure pursuits
The 19th century saw the beginning of mass leisure: seaside holidays, religious activities,
and the development of public parks, museums, libraries, spectator sports, theatres and
music halls.
Citizenship
Discussion about Empire and migration can help children to explore issues of identity and
how the multicultural Britain of today came about. Particularly useful is to observe how
Victorian attitudes towards immigrants have altered over the years, how these immigrants
have become part of British society, and the conclusions we can draw from this process.
Victorian achievements
A danger is that children will view the Victorian era as one of unrelenting darkness, cruelty
and poverty. So it is worth focusing, too, on the achievements of the Victorians.
What had the Victorians achieved by the end of the era that didn't exist before?
Comparing Victorians with the Romans, and with aspects of today's world, is a useful
exercise.

INFORMATION FROM
http://www.history.org.uk/resources/resource_3871.html