Imperialism and Progress: The Victorian Era (1860 - 1915)

Synopsis: Illuminates the quest for world dominance and wealth that spurred empire-building among European governments. Examines how this pursuit of power led them to exploit the poor both at home and abroad. Reveals how raw materials from the colonies fuelled large-scale industry in the mother countries. Details the persistence of poverty in the colonies and the rise at home of city slums and horrible working conditions for both adults and children. Discusses how social reform became a major agenda of such diverse writers as Dickens, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Twain, Paul Laurence Dunbar, and Karl Marx. Explains realism, the dominant literary style, and shows the emergence of psychological characterization in the works of Dostoyevsky and George Eliot.
Language: English
Country: Great Britain
Subjects: History; Literature
Keywords: colonial history; Dickens, Charles (1812-1870); literature; Marx, Karl; social history; Twain, Mark; Browning, Elizabeth Barrett; social reform

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British Universities Film & Video Council