What was life like in England between 1900-1920?

Answer 1

Between 1750 and 1900, the workplace changed a lot because of the industrial revolution. Before the late 1700, everything was done by hand, but after the development of the steam engine, almost every thing could be done by machine, powered by steam.

Answer 2

From 1900 to 1914, there was much optimism and a belief in progress. It was a good time to be in the middle class, with many people acquiring their first car, their first fridge, their first telephone. Some of the working class were reasonably well-paid, and prices were very low. The Upper class were not as happy as they are portrayed. They did not like the growth of the big cities, the merging and strengthening of the trade unions, and the arrival of the first Labour MP's, which happened at this time.

The outbreak of the First World War changed all this, especially after April 1915 (2nd Battle of Ypres), when they realized it was going to be a long and bloody war. It is widely agreed that most of the best young men were killed, and the country's leaders after the war were of second-rate calibre.

In 1919-20, there was an artificial show of jollity, with a great boom in the West End theatre, and for a small number, this continued into the so-called Roaring Twenties (actually an American idea). But the country was in fact shell-shocked, with half a generation of young women having to go without husbands.

Answer 3

Two main reasons: the Industrial Revolution and the Royal Navy.

In 1750 everything was limited to muscle power, whether of humans or horses. Goods were manufactured one piece at a time by individual craftsmen, and transported by wagon or barge.

The invention of steam engines multiplied the power available substantially. Textile looms could be driven by machines, employ hundreds of people, and churn out a thousand times as much clothing, while lowering costs per unit. Railroads were built, then telegraphs, gas lighting, etc.; each invention accelerated the process.

At the same time, the Royal Navy made England the Queen of the Seas. England's only real competition in controlling the global sea lanes was France, which had twice the population of England and comparable technology. Nevertheless, by mastering strategic chokepoints like Gibraltar, Suez, and Singapore, the Royal Navy gained the advantage. Napoleon tried to challenge its dominance, but after the British defeat of the French fleet at the battle of Trafalgar, the Royal Navy ruled supreme.

Control of the seas enabled Britain to add India to its Empire and dictate terms to China, and the wealth of the Orient was diverted to London banks and shareholders.

British Rule of the Waves was never seriously challenged until WWII, when Nazi submarine warfare took a heavy toll. Even today the Royal Navy is second only to that of the United States, which overtook it in the aftermath of the War. Since the two nations are the closest of allies, the two navies often train together and act in unison, and their combined might far outstrips any combination of the rest of the world's navies combined.

Answer 4

Until 1914, very exciting, with new technology and welfare provisions. It was a good time to be alive for a very large part of the population.

The First World War changed that in a few months, and the country was in shock for a long time. The war had caused the Russian Revolution, and Britain lived in fear of something similar happening here.

1920 is identified with fun and frolics, but this had a lot to do with the women who never got husbands because those men had been killed. Meanwhile heavy industry started to decline, and there would soon be a General Strike.

Answer 5

It has become more electricity orientated. Steam engines are now electric, for example. We have better trade and such, along with more imported goods.

Answer 6

Between 1750 and 1900, the workplace changed a lot because of the industrial revolution. Before the late 1700, everything was done by hand. this was until they invented machinery.