part 1
Although this post is officially about the Victorean Era, I also dedicate it to Queen Victoria (1837- 1901) - one of the longest-reigning monarchs of Great Britain (63 years and 7 months). The British Empire underwent significant colonial expansion, industrialisation, and drastic lifestyle changes throughout her life. Therefore, to understand what the Victorian era encompassed, it is first important to learn about one of its seminal symbols - Queen Victoria herself.
The Queen's Personal Life 🌛
Victoria was a smart girl who could write and read in five languages, had a talent for fine arts and kept a few diaries. At the age of 18, she became the Queen of Britain. Her relationship with Albert Saxe-Coburg-Gotha was a unique one, as their marriage wasn't only political, but also involved genuine mutual affection (btw, she was the one who proposed). Together, they had 9 kids in total. After Albert's death in 1861, she almost never appeared in public again.
A Colonial Superpower 🎞️
The sun never set on the British Empire!
Victoria was the ruler of the Greatest Empire in the world. The country had colonies in:
❣️Australia
❣️India
❣️Africa
❣️Indonesia
❣️Canada
These territories gained independence from Great Britain and formed the Commonwealth of Nations in 1931, as the colonial Empire declined in its power. It's important to mention that although some people state that Britain contributed to the modernisation of the colonies, constant physical violence, exploitation, and debasement faced by the local populations also have to be taken into account. In 1857, the Indian Mutiny broke out, which was a national uprising against the inhumane British policies.
⭐️ see part 2 of this post below
#countrystudies