6.1: The Victorian Age and Industrial Growth

Queen Victoria’s Reign

In 1837, Queen Victoria ascended to the throne at the age of 18, reigning until 1901 for almost 64 years, a period known as the Victorian Age. At the time of writing (2013), this was the longest reign of any British monarch. During this period, Britain expanded its global influence, and the middle classes gained more significance. Reforms were introduced to improve the living conditions of the poor.

The Expansion of the British Empire

Under Queen Victoria’s rule, the British Empire grown to include India, Australia, and large parts of Africa, making it the largest empire the world had ever seen, with an estimated population of over 400 million people.

Between 1853 and 1913, approximately 13 million British citizens emigrated, settling overseas. At the same time, immigration into Britain continued. Between 1870 and 1914, around 120,000 Russian and Polish Jews fled persecution and settled in Britain, primarily in London’s East End, Manchester, and Leeds. People from across the Empire, including India and Africa, also moved to Britain to live, work, and study.

Trade and Industry

Free Trade and Economic Growth

Britain remained a major trading nation during the Victorian period, and the government promoted free trade by abolishing certain taxes on imported goods. One example was the repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846, which had previously restricted the import of cheap grain. These reforms allowed for the cheaper importation of raw materials, supporting the growth of British industry.

Improvements in Working Conditions and Housing

Conditions in factories gradually improved. In 1847, the working hours for women and children were limited by law to a maximum of 10 hours per day. Additionally, better housing was built for workers during this period.

Advances in Transport

Transport links also improved significantly. Just before Queen Victoria came to the throne, George and Robert Stephenson pioneered the railway engine, leading to a major expansion of the railway system during the Victorian era. Railways were built not only across Britain but throughout the British Empire. Advances were also made in engineering, with significant contributions from figures like Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

Isambard Kingdom Brunel (1806–1859)

Born in Portsmouth, England, Isambard Kingdom Brunel was an innovative engineer who built tunnels, bridges, railway lines, and ships. He was responsible for constructing the Great Western Railway, the first major railway line in Britain, connecting Paddington Station in London to the south-west of England, the West Midlands, and Wales. Many of Brunel’s bridges are still in use today, including the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge spanning the Avon Gorge.

British Industry and the Great Exhibition

Leading the World in Industry

By the 19th century, British industry led the world. Britain produced more than half of the world’s iron, coal, and cotton cloth. The country also became a global hub for financial services, including insurance and banking.

In 1851, the Great Exhibition was held in Hyde Park, London, inside the Crystal Palace, an enormous structure made of steel and glass. The exhibition showcased a wide range of products, from large machines to handmade goods. While countries from all over the world participated, most of the exhibits were manufactured in Britain, highlighting the nation’s industrial dominance.