British Cultural Values: Shaping Events In The 1800s

Understanding the cultural values of a society requires exploring its history, especially the events that left a lasting impact. In the case of British society during the 1800s, several key historical occurrences played crucial roles in shaping its cultural identity. This article delves into the most influential of these events, examining their effects on British values and societal norms.

Britain's Rise as the Dominant World Power

Without a doubt, Britain's rise as the dominant world power during the 1800s had a profound and multifaceted impact on its cultural values. This era, often referred to as the Victorian era, saw Britain at the zenith of its empire, controlling vast territories and resources across the globe. The sense of national pride and confidence that accompanied this imperial expansion permeated British society, influencing everything from its literature and art to its political and social ideologies.

The Industrial Revolution, which began in Britain in the late 18th century and continued to accelerate throughout the 19th century, was a key factor in Britain's global dominance. The technological advancements and economic growth fueled by industrialization not only transformed British society internally but also provided the resources and capabilities necessary for imperial expansion. The rise of factories and urban centers led to significant social changes, including the growth of a new middle class and the emergence of a working class. These shifts in social structure had a direct impact on cultural values, as different classes developed distinct norms and expectations.

The British Empire became a source of both immense wealth and cultural exchange. The influx of goods and resources from colonies around the world enriched British society, while the interaction with diverse cultures and peoples broadened British perspectives. However, it also fostered a sense of cultural superiority and a belief in the mission to civilize other nations, ideas that were deeply embedded in Victorian values. The concept of the “White Man’s Burden,” popularized by Rudyard Kipling, exemplified this attitude, reflecting a sense of responsibility to bring Western culture and values to the rest of the world.

The Victorian era, named after Queen Victoria, who reigned from 1837 to 1901, was characterized by a strong emphasis on morality, duty, and social order. These values were reflected in British literature, art, and social customs. The emphasis on propriety and respectability shaped social interactions and expectations, particularly within the middle and upper classes. The rise of a powerful middle class also contributed to the emphasis on hard work, self-improvement, and social mobility. These values were seen as essential for maintaining social stability and the continued success of the empire.

Moreover, the vastness of the British Empire necessitated a strong sense of national identity and unity. The idea of Britishness, encompassing a shared language, history, and culture, became increasingly important in binding the diverse populations within the empire together. This sense of national identity was fostered through education, the media, and public institutions, further shaping the cultural values of British society. The impact of British imperialism continues to resonate today, influencing global politics, economics, and cultural interactions.

Other Potential Influences

While Britain's rise as the dominant world power undoubtedly had the most significant impact on its cultural values in the 1800s, it’s important to consider other potential influences as well.

England Abandoning the Rules of the Great Chain of Being

The Great Chain of Being was a hierarchical worldview that had been prevalent in Europe for centuries, positing a fixed order in the universe with God at the top, followed by angels, humans, animals, plants, and minerals. While the 1800s saw a gradual decline in the rigid adherence to this hierarchical structure, it’s less likely to have been the primary driver of cultural change compared to the tangible impacts of imperial expansion and industrialization. The shift away from the Great Chain of Being was more of a gradual evolution in philosophical and scientific thought rather than a sudden, transformative event.

The principles of the Enlightenment, which emphasized reason, individualism, and human rights, played a significant role in challenging the traditional hierarchies of the Great Chain of Being. Thinkers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau articulated ideas about natural rights and the social contract, which questioned the divine right of kings and the fixed social order. These Enlightenment ideals gained traction in Britain during the 18th and 19th centuries, contributing to a more egalitarian worldview.

Moreover, the rise of scientific thought, particularly the work of Charles Darwin, further undermined the Great Chain of Being. Darwin's theory of evolution challenged the idea of a fixed and immutable natural order, suggesting instead a dynamic and interconnected web of life. This scientific perspective had a profound impact on British society, leading to debates about the nature of humanity and the relationship between science and religion. The decline of the Great Chain of Being was a complex process, driven by a combination of philosophical, scientific, and social factors. While it influenced cultural values, its impact was less direct and immediate than that of Britain's imperial and industrial ascendancy.

Crusoe's Return to England After Being Shipwrecked

While Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe is a significant work of literature that reflects certain British values, such as individualism and self-reliance, the fictional return of Crusoe to England is unlikely to have had a direct, large-scale impact on British cultural values in the 1800s. Literature can certainly reflect and reinforce cultural values, but it is typically the broader historical trends and societal changes that drive the most significant shifts.

Robinson Crusoe, published in 1719, became an instant classic and helped to shape the genre of the novel. The story of a man shipwrecked on a desert island and his struggle for survival resonated with readers and reflected the spirit of exploration and adventure that characterized the age. Crusoe's resourcefulness, ingenuity, and determination to overcome adversity became emblematic of British values.

However, the impact of Robinson Crusoe on British culture is more indirect. The novel helped to shape perceptions of colonialism and the relationship between Europeans and the rest of the world. It also reinforced the idea of the self-made man, a theme that became increasingly important in British society during the 19th century. While Crusoe's story may have influenced individual attitudes and beliefs, it did not have the same transformative effect as the major historical events that shaped British society in the 1800s.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the decline of the Great Chain of Being and literary works like Robinson Crusoe contributed to the cultural landscape of 19th-century Britain, the single most influential event in shaping British cultural values during the 1800s was Britain's rise as the dominant world power. The expansion of the British Empire, fueled by industrialization and driven by a sense of national pride and cultural superiority, left an indelible mark on British society. The values of duty, morality, social order, and the belief in a civilizing mission all stemmed from this period of imperial dominance. These values shaped not only British society at the time but continue to resonate in British culture and its global interactions today. To delve deeper into the history of British cultural values, explore resources available on The British Library.