Victorian era (Great Britain)
 | It has been suggested that this article be merged into Victorian era. (Discuss) Proposed since October 2012. |
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Victorianism is the name given to the attitudes, art, and culture of the later two-thirds of the 19th century. This usage is strong within social history and the study of literature, less so in philosophy. Many disciplines do not use the term, but instead prefer Victorian Era, or simply "Late 19th century". Victorianism as a word is often specifically directed at Victorian morality. Victorianists refers to scholars who study Victorianism.
Brief history
The succession of William IV of the United Kingdom by his niece Victoria of the United Kingdom, on 20 June 1837, provides a convenient marker in the History of Britain for the rise of an industrialized society with a newly urbanized middle class, the interconnection of the globe with telegraph and railway, the expansion of trade, the establishment of the gold standard and other programs meant to make orderly and regular the path of commerce, manufacturing and economic growth. As a movement, the term is often synonymous with changes made to society directed at dealing with the effects of trade, industrialism, and urbanization, while maintaining a strongly stratified social and political order.
Queen Victoria's reign ended with her death on 22 January 1901, signifying the end of the era. However, the fashion trends continued until 1912, and World War I is sometimes considered the cultural end of the era. Technically, the Victorian era was followed by the Edwardian era, and was preceded by the Georgian era.