Page 2: Political Evolution and Cultural Transformation

This period witnessed significant political reorganization and cultural development under Queen Victoria's reign, which lasted from 1837 to 1901. The emergence of the Liberal and Conservative parties shaped British politics, while colonial expansion reflected Victorian beliefs in cultural supremacy.

Highlight: The Great Exhibition of 1851 symbolized Britain's industrial prosperity and technological advancement.

Definition: The Victorian Compromise represented the coexistence of progressive optimism with darker social realities.

Cultural trends included:

Example: The publication of Charles Darwin's "The Origin of Species" in 1859 created tension between religious faith and scientific advancement.

Vocabulary: Aestheticism - a late Victorian cultural movement emphasizing artistic values over moral or social themes.

Page 3: Early Victorian Period

The first half of Queen Victoria's reign established the foundation for Britain's transformation into a modern nation. Her 64-year reign witnessed unprecedented material progress and imperial expansion while maintaining political stability.

Quote: "She was beloved especially by the middle classes due to her strict code of behaviour and moral and religious views."

Highlight: The Ten Hours Act of 1847 limited working hours to 10 per day, representing significant progress in labor reform.

Example: The Chartist movement exemplified early Victorian social reform efforts, advocating for political rights and social improvements.

Definition: The Corn Laws were protective tariffs maintaining artificially high grain prices to benefit landowners.

The period demonstrated effective political cooperation:

Vocabulary: Chartism - a working-class movement for political reform in Britain between 1838 and 1848.