Gears and Gold and Gunships, Oh My!

     The Victorian era! Probably the most well-known British era, at least among Americans. 

This time period has left its mark on popular culture as a time when any success was possible: flying machines, alchemy, bustles. But other than the steampunk, what made the Victorian era so important?

Queen Victoria reigned for 63 years--longer than any other British monarch--and right at the height of the Industrial Revolution. The world underwent significant changes throughout her rule. (To put things in perspective, America had 17 different presidents during this time).

       Here are some doozies:

-Textile mills developed cheaper consumables and promoted child labor.

-The middle class rose with an emphasis on the family developing.

-The empire expanded.

As with any historic period, the Victorian era comes with both the sweet and the sour. But the mark this era left on the British people, and, indeed, on the world, is still notable today.