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The Victorian period transformed Britain from a rural society into the world's first industrial superpower. Understanding these seismic social changes is essential for analysing Dickens and Stevenson.
Victoria becomes Queen at age 18. The British Empire is expanding rapidly.
The Poor Law Amendment Act creates the workhouse system, designed to deter the poor from seeking help.
The Mines Act bans women and children under 10 from working underground.
Dickens publishes A Christmas Carol, attacking Victorian attitudes to poverty.
The Communist Manifesto is published. Revolutions sweep across Europe.
Darwin publishes On the Origin of Species, shaking religious certainty.
The Second Reform Act extends the vote to more working-class men.
The Education Act introduces elementary schooling for all children.
Stevenson publishes The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
Jack the Ripper murders in Whitechapel highlight urban poverty and crime.
Free elementary education is established for all children.
Queen Victoria dies. The Edwardian era begins.