Victoria became queen at the age of 18; she was graceful  and self-assured.

Her reign was the longest in British history.

In 1840 she married a German prince, Albert of Saxe-Coburg.

They had nine children and their modest family life provided a model of respectability

POSITIVE ASPECTS
Industrial revolution: factory system emerged; for the first time in Britain’s history there were more people who lived in cities than in the countryside.

 

Technological advances: introduction of steam hammers  and locomotives; building of railways.

 

 NEGATIVE ASPECTS
Pollution in towns due to  factory activity.

 

Lack of  hygienic conditions: houses were overcrowded “urban slums , most people lived in miserable conditions; poor houses shared water supplies .

Epidemics, like cholera, thyphoid caused high mortality in towns. This situation was remembered as “Great Stink”  of 1858.

This expression was used to describe the terrible smell in London, coming from the Thames.

The “Miasmas”, exhalations from decaying matter , poisoned the air.