The Rebellion Against Victorianism
The 1890's was in time for transformation for the English society. After Queen Victoria died the heart of the Victorian culture seemed to fade. England was beginning to experience economic competition from other states and a gradual decline from its former pinnacle of power. Politically, the Parliament experienced some fundamental power shifts after the turn of the century. This essay will address the climate of change in the English culture and its expressions. The changes occurred in two separate and distinct time periods. These time periods are the turn of the century from 1890's to World War II. The second period is WWII to 1970's.The new century brought about an end to the old and stuffy Victorian life-styles. The social stigmas of women and their behavior was challenged and change by the rise of feminism in 1910. Women began to protest against the system for women 's suffrage. One instance these "violent women" ran around in the city smashing store windows to get notoriety for their cause. Books such as the Odd Women, featured a fictional representation of "professional women". They were classified in two categories, both an attack on the social institution of marriage. The first of these
World War II brought a feeling of unity back to England. "The Battle for Britain" with the inspirational radio speeches of Winston Churchill inspired national pride to the British. The period of decline enhanced by WW I, a large debt and the Great Depression had traumatic effects on the English psyche. The civilian bombing planned by Hitler tried to enhance this feeling of despair. However, it accomplish the exact opposite. The children of England were sent to the country side. These children were predominantly working class children. When the upper class saw the state that these children where in the showed pity and concern. Other factors which brought the populace together was a consolidation of national opinion, full employment and the previous mentioned speeches of Churchill. These women owned their own flats and had various jobs usually secretarial in nature.. The book expressed an uncomfortable period of transformation. Working women were not completely accepted by English society at this time. The book portrayed different lives and how they coped with their situations.1 World War I left a tremendous impression of reality on the English. Their confidence was compromised due to the ineffectiveness in combat and their dependence of United States aid for victory. This is the true end of all of the glory held by the British Empi
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Approximate Word count = 904
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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