The Rebellion Against Victorianism

Essay submitted by Unknown

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 new women were out

only for fun. The second was the concept of an asexual being who did not need a man.

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

The male character was also in a state of change. This change brought about the term

"new men". These new men were classified by a "sexual anarchy". This movement was

predominantly a middle class, liberal expression. Many were young male artisans who

were homosexual . The word homosexuality was created by an amendment to criminal

law which had declared all acts of sodomy as illegal. Previous to this amendment the

act of homosexuality was punishable by hanging. Doctors and scientist had seen

homosexuality as a disease, thus the need developed for a "cure". Sexuality became all

inclusive.

There was a large aesthetic movement which was also inherent in this "new" culture.

This movement classified art as being done for art's sake. Art was now being viewed as

separate from society. This meant that art could be a personal expression rather than a

group think project. These attributes coined the term the "Decadent Movement".

The England was experiencing tremendous growth in its economy and political change

during this time. However, this growth was also shared by to other rival countries,

Germany and the United States. England had a fear of the massive economic strength

of the United States. England, at the turn of the century, was no longer the

international hegemon it was a decade previous. This caused the English look

introspectly at itself.

The political change occurred inside of the Parliament. The conservative House of Lords

began vetoing new liberal budget proposals. Both the Prime Minister and the House of

Commons were liberal in their political affiliation. The vetoing created a deadlock in the

government. The Prime Minister and the House of Commons proposed a referendum

which would nullify the House of Lords power of veto over the budgetary matters. This

was presented to the House of Lords with an ultimatum. If the referendum was not

passed the House of Lords would be flooded with liberal Middle class citizens. The

referendum was then passed and the deadlock broken. This shift of power was crucial

in the infrastructure of the political system of England.

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 Empire.

The English were left with a tremendous national debt totalling at $7 billion dollars.

England would never be a hegemon in the international community again.

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.

Thus, it can be seen that the period of 1890's to the end of World War II marked the

end of Victorianism. This end was achieved by both internal and external factors.

Internal institutions of Victorianism in cultural and social structures were slowly eroded

by sexual identity. The concept of "The New Woman and New Men" challenged

traditional values inherent to the Victorian class Structures and morality. The event of

the two wars brought the external reality of Britain's role in the international community

home. Both English dominance and hegemonic imperialism were curbed and set into

perspective during this time period.