The Rebellion Of Victorianism Essay, Research Paper

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 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.