Short History Of... The Victorians, Part 2 of 2
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Sep 28, 2025 Join Dr. Amy Milne-Smith, a historian specializing in Victorian society, and Dr. Onyeka Nubia, a British historian focused on race and empire, as they unpack the complex legacy of the Victorian era. They discuss how industrialization shaped class structures and gender roles, revealing the darker sides of British imperialism. The conversation touches on moral contradictions, the rise of nationalist movements in colonies, and the transformative impact of technological advancements. They also reflect on how these changes sowed the seeds of early feminist thought and ultimately led to the disillusionment of World War I.
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Empire Fueled Industrial Power
- Empire made Britain powerful by supplying raw materials and markets that industrialised the nation.
- Dr Onyeka Nubia explains colonial resources directly built British economic strength.
Empire Came Home To Britain
- Empire shaped everyday British life through goods, people, and stories returning home.
- Dr Amy Milne‑Smith notes empire gave working-class Britons a sense of racial superiority.
Civilizing Rhetoric Masked Exploitation
- Victorians framed imperial expansion as both profit-driven and a moral duty to 'civilize.'
- Dr Amy Milne‑Smith argues they believed empire was mutually beneficial despite clear hierarchy.
