Why is Queen Victoria of England considered an important mornach?

Answer 1

Queen Victoria is associated with Britain's great age of industrial expansion, economic progress and empire. Her reign lasted 64 years and is the longest in English history. Victoria is responsible for an evolution in English politics, the expansion in of the British Empire, as well as political and social reforms. At her death, it was said Britain had a worldwide empire on which the sun never set.

The Great Exhibition of 1851

On Feb. 10, 1840, Queen Victoria married Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, who helped organize the Great Exhibition. The Great Exhibition consisted of 13,000 exhibits, which displayed technological advancements and inventions from all over the world. The exhibits were viewed by 6.2 million visitors. The profits were used to establish Albert Hall, the Science Museum, the National History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Political Reform

A series of Acts broadened the social and economic base of the electorate. Some of these Acts included: The Mines Act (1842); The Irish Church Disestablishment Act (1869); The Education Act (1870); the introduction of the secret ballot (1872); The Public Health and Artisan's Dwelling Acts (1875); Trade Union Acts (1871 and 1876); The Representation of the Peoples Act (1884); The Reform Act (1884); Reform Acts (1867 and 1884).

Prosperity

Government reform allowed England to avoid the political issues sweeping across Europe. Instead, England focused on developing industry and trade, and extending its imperial reach. Victoria utilized this time to double the size of the English empire, encompassing Canada, Australia, India, and various locales in Africa and the South Pacific.

Peace

England was almost free of war during Victoria's reign. An Irish uprising (1848), an India rebellion (1857) and The Boer Wars in South Africa (1881, 1899-1902), were the only exceptions. England's only continental conflict was the Crimean War (1853-1856).

International Relations

Victoria's success in avoiding European entanglements was largely due to the marriages of her nine children. Either directly or by marriage, she was related to royal houses or Germany, Russia, Greece, Romania, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Belgium. She was named Empress of India in 1876.