Imagine a world where curtsies counted as currency and tea was more important than Instagram likes—it was the era of the Victorians. Stretching from the ascension of Queen Victoria in 1837 until her death in 1901, the Victorian era was a period in the United Kingdom marked by profound change, both socially and economically. It was centered in the UK but sent ripples worldwide as Britain was a leading global power. The Victorians introduced a mix of strict social norms, intense industrialization, and radical new ideas that revolutionized society.
During this time, society had rigidly defined social classes. If today’s social media algorithms define your reach, Victorian society was defined by literally where you stood—physically and socially. The wealthy lived lives of luxury, attending glamorous balls under flickering chandeliers, while the working class often labored in harsh conditions in factories for meager wages. The advent of industrialization brought both fortune and inequality, making the gap between classes as unmistakable as a TikTok influencer at a family reunion.
While technology today gives us AI and augmented reality, the Victorians marveled at innovations like the steam engine, the telephone, and electric light—transformations that changed work, communication, and daily life forever. Urbanization accelerated rapidly as people flocked to cities seeking jobs, inadvertently creating overcrowded living conditions that make today’s studio apartments seem spacious. These times were both a blessing and a challenge, as technological advancements improved lives but also resulted in significant societal upheaval.
Education during the Victorian era transformed dramatically. The introduction of compulsory schooling laws towards the end of the century meant that children from all walks of life could receive an education. It also sparked a broader societal recognition of the importance of literacy and knowledge as keys to personal and economic advancement. Imagine studying Charles Dickens’s work knowing he was documenting your era in real-time. His books reflect the stark realities of life then, giving insight into the everyday struggles and triumphs of the people.
The Victorians were not one-dimensional caricatures of prudishness, despite their love for etiquette and morality. Underneath those prim exteriors, they had a keen interest in science, nature, and exploration, which ultimately led to many scientific breakthroughs and expanded understanding of the world. The curiosity about life teamed up with a sort of controlled rebelliousness resulted in exploring new ideas and challenging long-standing beliefs.
One would be amiss to overlook how the era grappled with issues of empire and colonization. British imperialism expanded its reach over the globe, raising questions of morality, ethics, and equality that still resonate today. Supporters of this expansion argued it spread civilization and commerce, while critics highlighted its oppressive and exploitative nature. Reflecting on this brings gratitude for our present-day focus on global equity and human rights.
Women’s roles in this era were both progressive and restricted. On one hand, women were still largely expected to focus on home and family, with options outside the domestic sphere limited. On the other, the era saw early glimpses of women’s rights movements, planting the seeds for future reforms. The suffrage movement began to gain momentum, and figures like Florence Nightingale and Elizabeth Barrett Browning emerged to challenge and expand traditional roles.
Victorian art and literature simultaneously entertained and critiqued society. Authors like Oscar Wilde and the Brontë sisters brought love, humor, and critical observation through their writing, engaging readers in stories that reflected the complexities of the era. Even fashion served as a statement, with elaborate dresses and top hats defining an image that has transcended time and inspired contemporary fashion.
Perhaps what makes the Victorians intriguing to modern audiences is their dual nature, much like today’s push-pull between authenticity and filtered perfection on social media. They embraced newness while clinging to established norms. For some, this era represents a lost world of manners and class, while others criticize its inequality and rigidity. It's this complexity that draws us to study, adapt, and even parody them in shows like "Bridgerton." The debates about societal norms, technological impact, and class disparities are just as relevant now as they were then.
Looking back at the Victorians invites us to compare the leaps our society has taken with those of the past. It's both a comforting reminder of human progress and a cautionary tale of what to avoid repeating.