Victorian Britain: Society, Education, and Imperial Expansion

The Late Victorian Era: Society and Education (Second Half of the 19th Century)

During the second half of the 19th century, British society was deeply divided and imbalanced. On one hand, there was the Great Famine in Ireland, while on the other, powerful elites held sway. For example, in the field of education, only 8% of all children in the United Kingdom received secondary education. Yet, this was also the golden age of public schools such as Rugby, Eton, Winchester, and others. These elitist schools were entirely private and served as the primary educational institutions for the elite. These public schools played a very important role, and this continues to be the case today. With the exception of John Major, all British prime ministers had attended public schools. This new system of education also played an important role in politics.

Characteristics of Elite Public Schools

• Team Spirit: Students were encouraged to play for the team, fostering a sense of collective identity. This originated in sports, mainly football, cricket, and rugby, for which schools had extensive fields.
• "Stiff Upper Lip" Philosophy: The core idea was to suppress one's feelings, regardless of circumstances.
• Fagging System: Younger boys entering the school served the elder boys, akin to an apprenticeship. This system reflected a broader societal imbalance, reminiscent of masters and servants.

Advances in Medicine

The era also saw significant advances in medicine, with doctors beginning to utilize antiseptics and anesthetics.

The Boer War: Imperialism and Conflict (1899)

The Boer War was a shocking and horrific conflict, representing a crisis in terms of finance and morality for Britain. It took place in South Africa in 1899.

Roots of Imperial Conflict: The Industrial Revolution

To understand the Boer War, one must consider the impact of the Industrial Revolution. This transformative period brought numerous consequences, including other nations joining the industrial race. While Britain was the first industrial power, countries such as Germany, France, and the United States rapidly developed.

By the end of the 19th century, the German navy, for instance, was almost equal to the British navy.

The Scramble for Africa and Raw Materials

Another significant factor was the high demand for raw materials, such as oil and timber, leading to intense competition among nations. This directly impacted Africa, a continent rich in natural resources, which consequently attracted the attention of numerous competing nations.

In 1870, only 10% of Africa was under European control. By 1914, European powers controlled 90% of Africa. This period is famously known as the Scramble for Africa, as every European power sought a share of the continent.

Many of the problems observed in Africa today can be traced back to this colonial process.