Edwardian era

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Edwardian era

The Edwardian era or Edwardian period in the United Kingdom is the period covering the reign of King Edward VII, 1901 to 1910, and is sometimes extended to include the years leading up to the First World War. The death of Queen Victoria in January 1901 marked the end of the Victorian era and the beginning of the Edwardian era. This period is often characterized by significant social, political, and technological changes.

Society and Culture

The Edwardian era was a time of significant social change. The rigid class system of the Victorian era began to break down, and there was a growing movement towards greater social mobility. The suffragette movement gained momentum, advocating for women's right to vote. The arts flourished during this period, with the Edwardian musical comedy becoming particularly popular.

Fashion

Fashion in the Edwardian era was marked by a move towards more relaxed and less restrictive clothing. Women's fashion saw the introduction of the S-bend corset, which created an S-shaped silhouette. Men's fashion also evolved, with the morning coat and tailcoat becoming popular for formal occasions.

Architecture

Edwardian architecture is noted for its eclectic style, drawing on a variety of influences including Baroque, Georgian, and Art Nouveau. The period saw the construction of many grand public buildings, as well as suburban homes for the growing middle class. Notable examples of Edwardian architecture include the Admiralty Arch and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Technology and Innovation

The Edwardian era was a time of rapid technological advancement. The automobile became increasingly popular, and the first powered flight by the Wright brothers in 1903 marked the beginning of the aviation age. The period also saw significant developments in telecommunications, with the widespread adoption of the telephone.

Politics

Politically, the Edwardian era was marked by significant reforms. The Liberal Party came to power in 1906 and introduced a series of social reforms, including the Old Age Pensions Act 1908 and the National Insurance Act 1911. The period also saw the rise of the Labour Party, which represented the interests of the working class.

End of the Era

The Edwardian era came to an end with the death of King Edward VII in 1910. However, many historians extend the period to include the years leading up to the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, which marked a significant turning point in British and world history.

Related Pages

• Victorian era
• King Edward VII
• Suffragette
• Edwardian musical comedy
• Art Nouveau
• Wright brothers
• Liberal Party (UK)
• Labour Party (UK)