The Victorian Era - From Illusions to Reality

The Victorian Era: From Illusions to Reality

The Industrial Revolution significantly shaped Victorian literature.
Key Inventions: Steam engine (perfected by James Watt in 1775 and 1781) led to changes in transportation, enabling the import and export of large goods and connecting towns.
Early Victorian Mood: Initially optimistic and filled with self-esteem due to industrial success, but later led to disillusionment.
Transportation Advancements: Lift locks facilitated the transportation of large freight.
Communication: Development of long-distance business through inventions like the telegraph (Claude Chappe, 1792; Samuel Morse, 1837).
Effects of Inventions: Rapid changes in lifestyle.

Extent of Colonial Expansion: Britain controlled 1/4 of the Earth's total area with 548 million people.
Regions: Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, Ceylon, Malaysia, Tasmania, Guyana, Egypt, Sudan, South Africa, Namibia, etc.

Problems: Overpopulation, pollution, unsafe and unhygienic working conditions, and prostitution.
Contributing Factors: Industrialization, rise of business and capitalism, urbanization, and commuting to work.