THE VICTORIAN AGE,THE VICTORIAN AGE in literature ,THE VICTORIAN AGE summary, Queen Victoria

 THE VICTORIAN AGE :

Queen Victoria ascended the throne in 1837 and introduced such economic and political measures, with the aid of her astute ministers that England was at ihe zenith of development. She did not hesitate in ending the monopoly of merchants - the old laissez - faire policy was replaced by just intervention and close scrutiny of market trends by state. The major industries of coal, iron, textiles and railway building continued to flourish. There were other European competitors like Germany, France and Belgium. But England left them far behind. Many new machines and gadgets were either invented by British scientists or perfected by them. Bicycle, camera, electric light and telephone not only made life comfortable for Britishers; they gave rise to new industries that considerably enhanced British exports and income. 

The rise of Limited Liability Companies was a new thing. It ended the monopoly of one-family firms; on the other hand, it gave birth to a new era of capitalism in which the British middle elass had a definite share. These companies were managed by Board of Directors; but any individual might become a shareholder. Common people cultivated the habit of investing in industrial stock and a few depended entirely on the dividends from industry. The picture did not remain so bright for long. A series of conflicts jeopardized the Victorian peace and prosperity - there were troubles in Canada and India. However, Queen Victoria emerged stronger and her policies proved to be a mixture of toughness and liberality. The Sepoy Mutiny in India in 1857 compelled the queen to be sensitive to the demands of justice and trust. She rose to the challenge and in her proelamation in 1858 promised "It is our further will that so far as may be, our subjects of whatever class or creed, be fully and freely admitted to any offices the duties of which they may be qualified by their education, abilities and integrity duly to discharge." The assertion of her independence and fairness is evident in this. The presence of such a wise queen together with long strides in commerce and industry made the Victorian age one of the best ages for the English people. They enjoyed peace at home, their children got the best of education and they had a healthy social life. They worked hard; they had a grasp of the affairs of the world; they were constantly modifying technology for better communication and facilities. And they remained deeply religious. Yet the most serious crisis of the Victorian furies occured in the realm of religion. So far science had not disturbed their faith. But the publication of Charles LyellS Principles of Geology, 1830 and of Charles Darwin's The Origin of Species. 1859 altered the scene.