The Victorian Age (1837-1901) marked a transformative period in British history, characterized by unprecedented industrial growth, social reforms, and literary achievements. Britain emerged as the world's leading power through industrial revolution in England, colonial expansion, and technological advancement. The era witnessed significant urban development, social reforms including the Chartist Movement, and the flourishing of the realistic novel.
• The period saw massive urbanization with horrible living conditions for workers in industrial towns
• Literary developments included the rise of the Victorian novel, published in installments
• Social reforms gradually improved working-class conditions and education
• Colonial expansion, particularly in India (the "Jewel in the Crown"), strengthened British power
• Late Victorian period witnessed emerging ideologies like feminism and socialism
