The Victorian Age was a time of significant political and social reform in Britain. It saw the expansion of voting rights, the rise of new political parties, and reforms that improved working conditions and access to education. Issues like the Irish famine and Britain's foreign policy added to the era of agitation and change during Queen Victoria's long reign.

1. The Victorian Age The historical setting Raffaele Nardella http://homepage.ntlworld.com/foxfield/robertheath6.htm

2. An age of agitation and reform Queen Victoria’s long reign Liberalism Social reforms New political parties Conservatives (Peel, Disraeli) Liberal party (Palmerstone, Gladstone) The People’s Charter 1838 Vote for men Electoral districts Not only land owners in Parliament Payment for MP Annual general elections Secret ballot Raffaele Nardella http://www.micklebring.com/bml/chapter05.htm

3. An age of agitation and reform Reform Acts 1867 and 1884 Socialist movement Trade Unions Safety of the labourers Reducing working hours of women and children Compulsory elementary education Free education for all in 1891 Labour Party Raffaele Nardella http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/09/17/science/obox3_600.jpg

4. An age of agitation and reform Irish Question - Famine in 1845-46 in Ireland - Migration to America - No help from British Government - Fenian Irish Independence Movement - Terrorist attacks Raffaele Nardella http://volunteers.rcnuwc.no/wp-content/uploads/2006/12/physical-map-of-northern-ireland.gif

5. An age of agitation and reform British foreign policy Consolidation of the Empire Isolation from Europe Crimean war Raffaele Nardella http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/historical/ward_1912/black_sea_crimean_war.jpg The desire for freedom Independentist movements The Power of Germany