Summary about Great Britain 19th century

            The nineteenth century in England is primarily separated into two parts, which are called the Regency (1795-1837), and the Victorian period (1837-1901). Both periods reflected the extension of British imperial sovereignty and the projection of global imperial might on the seas and in the colonies. Both eras are characterised by their own distinct architectural, literary, fashion, political, and cultural trends.

            The Regency era was a time of personal excess for king George the IV, and his aristocratic followers. Despite loosing a thirteen colonies in America, British colonial power had yet to reach its zenith. England waged war through much of the Regency against Napoleon’s France. Likewise, England experienced incredible growth of population throughout the country. Finally, English life was radically changed by countless changes brought about by the industrial revolution.

            The Victorian era was the time of queen Victoria, the longest reigning monarch in English history. Again, England grew immensely, primarily due to the policy of Pax Britannica which was a period of unprecedented economic, colonial, and industrial consolidation. Government policies introduced countless political reforms to make people happy. However, the Victorian period is best remembered for its conservative, if not repressed view of culture. Style changed from classical to gothic, and more and more popular culture determined what it was to be British.

            Nineteenth century England is best remembered of being a time of extreme contrast, major social change, and outright political reform. The continuity of the English monarchy ensured that England would grow and prosper. This is almost identical to the period known as Pax Romana in which Rome consolidated its imperial holdings from England to Egypt. The significance of this period is best reflected by comparison between the events that took place in continental Europe (revolutions of 1848), and in the former colonies in North America which is westward expansion and rise of Nationalism.