The Late Victorian & Edwardian Eras

Join us for a focused discussion on Britain from the High Victorian decades into the Edwardian twilight—years of electric modernity, imperial reach, and mounting social strain. Industry accelerated, cities swelled, and new politics challenged old hierarchies. Abroad, the Empire expanded and collided with rivals; at home, reform, labor militancy, and women’s suffrage reshaped public life. In Europe, the fragile peace lasting for decades was about to end.

Topics for Discussion

• Death of Prince Albert
• Second & Third Reform Acts
• Confederation of Canada & the Dominion model
• Scramble for Africa & the Berlin Conference
• Second Anglo-Afghan War
• Irish Home Rule & the Ulster crisis
• Oscar Wilde, decadence, and moral panic
• New Unionism & the birth of Labour
• Second Boer War
• Anglo-Japanese Alliance & shifting power in Asia
• Entente Cordiale & Anglo-Russian Convention: the road to the Triple Entente
• Dreadnought and the naval arms race
• Liberal welfare reforms & the 1909–11 constitutional crisis