Concetti Chiave
- Queen Victoria ascended the throne at 18, ruling for 64 years, and became a model constitutional monarch by allowing Parliament to make decisions while remaining a significant figure.
- Significant reforms during the Victorian era included the First Reform Act of 1832, extending voting rights to the middle class, and the Factory Act of 1833, limiting child labor.
- The Irish Potato Famine of 1845 led to severe poverty in Ireland, causing mass emigration to America and prompting the repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846.
- The Great Exhibition of 1851, organized by Prince Albert at the Crystal Palace, highlighted Britain's industrial and economic prowess on a global stage.
- Bentham's Utilitarianism influenced Victorian values, emphasizing actions that lead to happiness, appealing to the interests of the middle class.
Queen Victoria : was the late king's niece, the late king (George III) had no heir so he adopted the niece to become his successor in 1837 at only 18 years old. Ruled for 64 years in an age of economic aand scientific progress (industrial rev in America) and social progress. She became the ideal head of the constitutional monarchy because she left all the decisions to the Parliament but still remain an important figure. Married to Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha in 1840. Had 9 children and were a model of respectability. Victoria took help and advice from her husband. got the title of Prince Consort in 1857.
First Reform Act => 1832 instead of the nobility could vote also the middle class in Birmingham and Manchester.
The Factory Act => 1833 children aged 9-13 can't be employed more than 48 h/week and no one from 13 - 18 could work more than 72h/week.
The Poor Law Amendment Act => 1834 creation of workhouses and institutions for workers
Workhouses : Bad life, the poor wears uniforms and were split from the family cause there were different compartments for men and women and even for children. Such a poor place with low hygiene system. Mainly run by the Church.
Chartism : People's Charter formed by the working class in 1838 demanding -> 1. Universal male suffrage, 2. A secret ballot, 3. Other reforms for the electoral system. No one in power was ready to accept so the movement failed. They were slow but constant.
Second Reform Act => 1867 gave the vote to skilled working men in England and Wales
The Ballot Act => 1872 secret ballot introduced
The Irish Potto Famine : Because of the bad weather and an unknown plant disease from America ruined potato crops in 1845. Ireland's agriculture depended on potatoes so they experienced a terrible poverty, which caused a lot of deaths and lots of them emigrated in America to have a better life. Prime Minister, Sir Robert Peel put an end to the Corn Laws in 1846, which imposted tariffs on imported corn to keep the cost of the bread high to protect the interests.
Technological progress : In 1851 Prince Albert organized a Great Exhibition to show the world Britain 's Industrial and economic power. Was held at the Crystal Palace = huge structure of glass and steel designed by sir Joseph Paxton erected in Hide Park.
Victorian Utilitarian Thought
Victorian Thinkers.
Bentham's Utilitarianism: Victorian values found their basis in some movements of the age. First of all Utilitarianism, based on Jeremy Bentham'Bentham's principles (1748- 1832).
According to this movement, an action is morally right if it leads to happiness and wrong if it leads to sadness. It was followed by the middle class cause it suited well their interests. So any problem could be overcome through reason and common sense.
Domande da interrogazione
- How did Queen Victoria become the ideal head of a constitutional monarchy?
- What were the key reforms introduced during the early Victorian era?
- What was the impact of the Irish Potato Famine on Ireland and its people?
- How did the Great Exhibition of 1851 reflect Britain's industrial and economic power?
Queen Victoria became the ideal head of a constitutional monarchy by leaving all decisions to Parliament while maintaining her role as an important figure. Her reign, starting at age 18 in 1837, lasted 64 years during a period of economic, scientific, and social progress.
Key reforms included the First Reform Act of 1832, which extended voting rights to the middle class, the Factory Act of 1833, which limited child labor hours, and the Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834, which established workhouses for workers.
The Irish Potato Famine, caused by bad weather and a plant disease in 1845, led to severe poverty and numerous deaths in Ireland. Many Irish emigrated to America seeking better lives. The famine prompted Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel to end the Corn Laws in 1846.
The Great Exhibition of 1851, organized by Prince Albert and held at the Crystal Palace, showcased Britain's industrial and economic power. It was a significant event demonstrating technological progress and the nation's global influence during the Victorian era.
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