Page 1: Victorian Britain and Industrial Growth
The period from 1837 to 1901, known as the Victorian Age, saw Britain's emergence as a global superpower through industrialization and colonial expansion. The era derives its name from Queen Victoria, who ascended to the throne as the First Industrial Revolution concluded.
Britain's economic prosperity stemmed from:
- Colonial exploitation
- Low-cost labor
- Rapid industrial expansion
Highlight: The transformation of British cities during this period was unprecedented, with major industrial centers emerging in London, Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Sheffield, and Bradford.
Definition: The Victorian social structure was strictly hierarchical, with upper and middle classes comprisinglessthan5 controlling most wealth and resources.
Example: The stark contrast in living conditions was evident in housing - while wealthy citizens enjoyed spacious, healthy neighborhoods, workers endured overcrowded slums lacking basic amenities.
Vocabulary: Slums - densely populated urban areas characterized by substandard housing and squalor.
The period also saw significant political reforms, including the First Reform Bill, though it initially excluded working classes from voting rights.