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The Civil War and Its Social Significance

Synopsis:

-King’s relationship with the parliament - Issue of the most powerful, King or the Parliament - Effects and results of civil war- King’s Divine Rights Theory was put into cold storage forever - King James’ policy of compromise- Charles - I ascended the throne in 1625 - His stubborn and self - willed attitude led to open conflict between him and parliament - Around four times he dissolved the parliament and called for the new - From March 1629 - April 1640 he ruled without any parliament - Then came Parliamentary rule in 1640 - was called the Long Parliament - Charles - I was beheaded on 30th, January 1649Introduction:

The Civil war was the culmination of the cold war between the King and the Parliament goes nearly for four decades starting from 1603 under the rule of Stuart King James - I who ascended the throne of England in the same year. The major issue for such war was, “Who should be more powerful, the King or the Parliament”, the Civil war resolved it in favor of the latter. After war, the Theory of the Divine Right of Kings was put into cold storageforever.

Dispute between the King and Parliament:

There was a frequent feud between the King and the Parliament, but King James - I followed the policy of compromise and managed without any open war. When Charles - I ascended the throne thematter came into crisis, he had many qualities of King but his stubbornness and self-willed attitude led to open conflict between himand the Parliament.

Character of Charles - I:

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Charles - I always led a luxurious life spending money lavishly on his wills and wants. He was always in need of money but the Parliament granted him sparingly. He was dissatisfied and annoyed by the act of Parliament; he dissolved the first and levied taxes by his own authority. Then he called on for second, but found it more loathe and obstinate than the first. He threw all the leaders who opposed him and called for the third in 1628 drew up and was called the Petition of Rights. As the King was badly in need of money he signed the document and received the money from the House voted for him. The King was severely criticized for his act of not abiding the rules of the Charter.

Then once again he called for the Parliament and imprisoned some of the distinguished members. Then for eleven years heruled without any Parliament from March 1629 to April 1640. During hisrule he believed only his close intimates like Thomas Wentworth and Archbishop Laud. The entire civil administration was under the charge of Wentworth, who later became Lord Wentworth and Earl of Strafford. Ecclesiastical affairs were managed by William Laud, who brought the Church of England closer to Roman Catholicism. He was advised by Wentworth to collect ship - money in the interior places, which was generally collected in coastal areas. People stood against the tax andwas championed by John Hampden, he opposed that without approval of Parliament King has no rights to collect tax. The matter was taken to court but the verdict was in favor of the King.

Religious Crisis in Charles - I’s Rule:

Presbyterianism was the deep - rooted religion in England but Charles and Laud imposed Anglican rituals in Scottish Church. Anglican practice in Scottish Church brought riot and the riot became a revolution. Realizing the situation of opposition of his own people Charles made peace with Scotland. Thus Presbyterianism once again became the National religion of Scotland.

Long Parliament:

Charles - I was convinced and called for a Parliament to find a solution for his problems. He convoked a Parliament in 1640 after ending his eleven years rule. This Parliament sat (24 years) for a long time

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that people called it the Long Parliament. The Long Parliament was dominated by Puritans.

*Two Major Groups of the Nation:

The whole nation divided into two groups, one group supporting the King who was called as Cavaliers or Royalists. The other supporting the Parliament was nicknamed as Roundheads. The nobles, wealthy men, the great body of the clergy both Universities ofOxford and Cambridge come under the group of Royalists. The supportersof Roundheads were freeholders, merchants, shopkeepers of the towns. All Protestants, Non- Conformists, municipal corporations and majorityof the House of Commons were on the side of the Roundheads. By 1642, both the groups were turbulently prepared themselves for war. The Parliament under the leadership of Oliver Cromwell fared badly in war and disgusted with its performance.

The Roundheads under the leadership of Pym made an agreement with Scots and defeated Royalists as a team at Marston Moor near York in July 1644. The new army consisting of 20,000 men with Fairfax as Commander-in-chief was called the New Model Army. Cromwell was appointed as Lieutenant General of the cavalry.

Pride’s Purge Event:

The Parliament was mostly Presbyterian, but the army was independent. Cromwell behaved in a very highhanded manner. As per Cromwell’s order on 6th December 1648, Colonel Thomas Pride stood at the entrance of the House of Commons and turned out each one of the Presbyterians who came to enter the hall. One and thirty members were turned away in that manner. This event is later known as Pride’s Purge. The assembly of the remaining members of the parliament was called the Rump.

*Execution of King Charles - I:

In January 1649, the Rump set up a High Court of Justice with 67 members to try the King for treason. On January 27, the death sentence was read out to Charles - I by John Bradshaw, the President of the Court. Charles - I was beheaded on 30th, January 1649 before a vast silent multitude.

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Conclusion:

After the defeat and death of King Charles - I the Cavalierslost their power, privilege and prominence in the society. The year ofstruggle between the King and the Parliament were a period of Puritan predominance. Thus Civil war marked the beginning of political partiesin England.

Expected Questions:

Long Parliament: This Parliament sat (24 years) for a long time that people called it the Long Parliament. The Long Parliament was dominated by Puritans.

Pride’s Purge: As per Cromwell’s order on 6th December 1648, Colonel Thomas Pride stood at the entrance of the House of Commons and turned out each one of the Presbyterians who came to enter the hall. One and thirty members were turned away in that manner. This event is later known as Pride’s Purge.

Rump: The assembly of the remaining members of the parliament was called the Rump.

Partition Political Parties in England: The whole nation divided into two groups, one group supporting the King who was called as Cavaliers or Royalists. The other supporting the Parliament was nicknamed as Roundheads.

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Restoration England

Synopsis:

† Period lies 1660 - 1688. Suppressed institutions and practices were restored during Charles - II regime.

† Political monarchy, Parliament, and Law all were restored to former status.

† Anglicanism became the acknowledged religion of upper class people. † Formation of two political parties: Whigs and Tories.† Scientific development and discoveries were greatly encouraged and

faced a tremendous growth in England.† The theatres were renovated and opened after puritan regime.† One of the early popular dramas of Restoration period was “Wycherley’s

Country Wife” one of the most vulgar plays ever produced in English.† First Licensing Act passed in 1163 by the Cavalier Parliament with

the aim of preventing Puritan writings. † People of various classes maintained an awesome collection of book

shelf or library at their homes.

Introduction:

Restoration England means the period which lies between 1660 and1688. The closed institutions and suppress practices during the Puritan regime were again restored by Charles - II, the King of England. Political monarchy, Parliament, Law, then religious Episcopacy or the rule of Bishops and Prayer Book were reinstated.

Anglicanism as Acknowledged Religion:

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Anglicanism became the acknowledged religion of the upper class people. The local squire patronized the parish church. In such cases there were cold war between the parson and the squire. In Addison’s “Sir Roger at Church” it has been mentioned about their war. The Non -Conformists and particularly Quakers suffered religious harassment under the ‘Clarendon Code’.

Political Parties of the Restoration England:

The Restoration period was known for its formation for political parties. The two major political parties of England are the Whigs and Tories. Tories like the Cavaliers (a section of society formed the rural England) were always the supporters of the King. The Whigs like Roundheads (landowning class) always stood for the rights of the Parliament.

Scientific Development:

There was a rapid spread of experimental science in the Restoration England. For the first time in the history of mankind it was found that science could be used in the field of agriculture, industry, navigation, medicine and engineering. Under the patronage ofKing Charles - II the Royal Society of Science was founded in 1662 andhis cousin Prince Rupert himself a scientist. The great scientists like Robert Boyle, the chemist, Isaac Newton, the physicist, were religious men who repudiated the skeptical doctrines of the time. The wide spread of scientific inquiry superstitious belief of people lost its grip. They realize that plagues, fires and floods were not divine punishment for sin. Beliefs in witches and witchcraft became less widespread although were believed by rustic folks.

Theatres in Restoration England:

The theatres which were closed for ever in Puritan regime once again reopened in and started functioning in Restoration period. The whole playhouse was roofed in and the stage was artificially lighted with candles then there were drop curtains and painted scenery. Women themselves started playing their role; the role of well trained boys in the place of women was fulfilled by women. Nell Gwynne celebrated actress for her personal charm and vigor than her professional skill. The Restoration plays were noted for its vulgarity brought a hostile

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attitude in the minds of the descent people of the late 19th century where well-brought-up young people were not allowed to visit theatre. One of the most popular dramas of the early Restoration period was “Wycherley’s Country Wife”, one of the most vulgar plays ever produced in English.

Libraries in Restoration England:

The first Licensing Act was passed in 1663 by the Cavalier Parliament, chiefly with the motive of preventing the publication of Puritans’ writings. Otherwise permission was easily given for publishing two great epics “Paradise Lost” and “Paradise Regained”. The size and quality of private libraries varied because of rigid censorship. Private libraries renowned by persons like Samuel Pepys maintained many valuable volumes. Similarly library owned by Cotton Family many remarkable, Yeomen Families, and others maintained at least a bookshelf. In 1696, eight years after the Glorious Revolution, the Licensing Act was completely ceased and relieved many freedom loving Englishman.

Economical Status of the Countrymen:

The fortunes of the Cavalier families were restored to a better level during the restoration monarchy. The small squire lived in the restoration period, farmed his own land but the economic condition was unfavorable. On the whole the trade and union besides the wages paid were uncommon.

Staple Diet of the Englishmen of that Time:

The staple diet of the time was bread, beer, and meat. Vegetables and fruits played a least part and meat played the prominent part in the English meal of that period.

Sports and Past Times of Restoration Period:

The sports and past times were revived during the Restoration period. Shooting cartridges was privileged game of squires alone. The netting of birds in the ground, Fox hunting, deer hunting were most popular of the time. Then wrestling, boxing, and sword fighting, bull and bear baiting, various rough kinds of football are the sports past

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times. Then the most popular and excited sport of the restoration period was cockfighting. Horse - racing was highly privileged game forRoyalists.

Conclusion:

Thus the Restoration period plays a prominent role in reviving and regaining the privileges of the people. Besides all these Restoration period is mainly known for its two great National calamities which took place at that time. One is Plague and the other is Great Fire. The Plague of 1665 washed away nearly one-fifth of the population of London. The Great Fire of 1666 raged for five long days destroyed all the churches, and other buildings of the city. In one way it can be considered as a blessing in disguise because, it gave way to build a reconstruct a new city with all possible modern ideas. Thus the reconstruction of London was accomplished in a short period of four or five years of time.

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First Restoration Drama - “Wycherley’s Country Wife”

Staple Diet of the Englishmen of that Time: (2 mark)

The staple diet of the time was bread, beer, and meat. Vegetables and fruits played a least part and meat played the prominent part in the English meal of that period. Almost half of the population ate meat daily, remaining ate weekly twice.

Sports and Past Times of Restoration Period: (2 mark)

Shooting cartridges was privileged game of squires alone. The netting of birds in the ground, Fox hunting, deer hunting were most popular ofthe time. Then wrestling, boxing, and sword fighting, bull and bear baiting, various rough kinds of football are the sports past times. Then the most popular and excited sport of the restoration period was cockfighting. Horse - racing was highly privileged game for Royalists.

Two Great National Calamities: (5 mark)

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Restoration period is mainly known for its two great National calamities which took place at that time. One is Plague and the other is Great Fire. The Plague of 1665 washed away nearly one-fifth of the population of London. The Great Fire of 1666 raged for five long days destroyed all the churches, and other buildings of the city. In one way it can be considered as a blessing in disguise because, it gave way to build a reconstruct a new city with all possible modern ideas. Thus the reconstruction of London was accomplished in a short period of four or five years of time.

Two Great National Calamities: (2 mark)

The two great National calamities which took place during the Restoration period the Plague and the other is Great Fire. The Plague of 1665 and the Great Fire of 1666 changed the condition of the whole London city.

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Age of Queen Anne

Queen Anne ruled from 1702 - 1714 Age of Queen Anne is also known as Age of Enlightenment and Age

of Progress Wheat is their staple food; they also cultivated Barley, Rye,

oats etc. The social hierarchy - the Duke, the Squire, the Yeomen, the

freeholders, the tenants. There were only few public schools like Eton, Winchester, and

Westminster. People play cricket and football. Cock fight was very common and

adored by people of all classes. Horse racing, hunting, snaring birds, shooting, angling were

sports and past time games. The roads were maintained in very poor condition. Coal mining and cloth making were the most important industries

of the period. There were nearly 300 coffee houses in the city of London.

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Introduction:

Queen Anne ruled England from 1702 to 1714. It was a period of progress and great prosperity. Age of Queen Anne is also known as Age of Enlightenment. Her period was a Golden period in the History of England. Industry, commerce, agriculture, prospered and progressed during her reign. The period was also called as the Age of Progress. During the Age of Enlightenment the progressiveness is seen in many fields like food, house building, and decoration, education, marriage,games etc. people were not only informed but they were enlightened in each and every aspect. They started taking care of themselves in all aspects. They started realizing the importance of life and that made them to progress in various fields of business.

Agricultural Development:

People improved in the field of agriculture and it gave thema good harvest. They began to cultivate wheat, barley, oats, rye and many different crops with the help of new machines and tools. Wheat istheir staple food. Thus they proper and this prosperity prevailed all over the country. They also began to exchange the food products and even sold the food products at a very cheap rate. They started exporting corn to other countries. Then they slowly started progressing in cattle farms too.

Social Hierarchy:

The social hierarchy of England consists of the Duke, the Squire, the Yeomen, the freeholders, the tenants. The Dukes were rich and lived the life of Princes and the squires were moderately rich, the yeomen formed about one-eighth of the population and the tenants were less in number. The difference between the freeholder and the tenant was more political and social than economic. The freeholder hadthe voting right and the tenant had no vote.

House Building and Decoration: There was considerable improvement in the house

building and house decoration. Farm houses and big mansions were builtwith large windows and spacious rooms. The houses were furnished with fine furniture and china-ware brought out into use.

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Education:

Education was not up to the level of appreciation. Gentlemenhardly spent a percent from his income for education. Children of highsociety and upper middle-class were educated. There were only few public schools like Eton, Winchester, and Westminster. Private teachers were employed by rich people to teach their children. Women’seducation was greatly neglected and there was no good school for them.

Marriage:

Most of the marriages were arranged by parents. Run away marriages were common. Also, there were numerous love marriages. Divorce was almost unknown.

Drunkenness and Gambling:

Drunkenness and gambling became very common among both the sexes. Bath and Turn Bridge wells were the centers of gambling, where immense money changed hands over cards and dices. Smoking and snuffingbecame common among people.

Sports and Past Times:

People play cricket and football. Cock fight was very commonand adored by people of all classes. Horse racing, hunting, snaring birds, shooting, angling were some of the past times to which people easily get resorted to.

Maintenance of Roadways:

The roads were in a bad condition due to the inadequate administrative machinery. As the production of products increased people started exporting products to other countries. Because of the badness of the roads, the sea and river ways became more traffic especially for exports.

Industrial Development:

Coal mining and cloth making were the most important industries of the period. The coal mines were treated as the property of the owner of the land. Explosives were common and many laborers

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lost their lives. Spinning is chiefly done in country cottages by women and children and weaving is done in towns and villages by men.

Importance of Coffee Houses:

Coffee drinking was a common habit among the wealthier classes. Coffee houses were the centers of social life. There were nearly 300 coffee houses in the city of London. The Tories, the Whigs,the Clergymen, liberty men, businessmen and all other groups had theirseparate houses. They discussed chiefly about politics, religion, literature, etc. they enjoyed the freedom of speech.

Religious Activities of the Period:

Many religious societies and charity schools were established. The main objective of these societies was to promote Christianity, encourage going to church, and attend family prayers. Bible study was a prominent activity. Cheap rate Bibles and Prayer books were made available in the society for the propagation of the Gospel even in the county districts by the Society for the Propagationof Gospel.

Conclusion:

Thus the Age of Queen Anne is known for progress and prosperity. Due to Revolution the Court lost its glamour and importance. In the 18th century patronage was sought not in the Court but in the Parliament and in the chambers of Ministers.

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Puritanism

The extreme Protestants were not satisfied with the religious settlements made by Queen Elizabeth

They wanted to purify the Church from all the Roman Catholic practices and so they came to be known as Puritans.

They found it could not be done - they organized separate congregations - so were called Separatists.

Then the Restoration monarchy - ended the Puritan attempt of making theocratic state.

Puritans usually involved in private devotions - family prayers -reading Holy Scripture - catechizing of children & servants.

Maintained a spiritual diary - accounted moral success and failures in it.

Delight in the pleasure & joy of life - is sober kind. Closed theatres & other amusement places. Ordinance passed to Abolish play - houses in 1642. Suppressed all sports like wrestling & dancing - to preserve

solemnity of Sabbath.

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From 1640 - 1660 - had not Church Courts but ordinary lay courts - to punish sin

Many easy-going people hated Puritanism. The Puritan contribution to English Literature - “Paradise Lost”

- by John Milton a Puritan The greatest prose work of the period - “The Pilgrim’s Progress”

- by John Bunyan After Queen Elizabeth’s death in 1603 - King James -I of Scotland

became the King of England Puritans believed that he might show some favor but he

disappointed them. His action against them drove many puritans into separatism and

exile. The puritans who were unwilling to give up all bonds of

fellowship with the Church of England adopted a middle position and they were called Non-separatists.

He tried imposing Episcopal liturgy in Scottish Churches - Scotland rose revolt - invaded England in 1639

After the death of Oliver Cromwell who was considered as Lord Protector for Puritans - situation rapidly deteriorated in 1660 -parliament rule ended with the restoration of Charles -II as Kingof England.

*Refer Civil war and its Social Significance for further (Supporters of Royalists and Cavaliers and Charles - I’s execution).

Industrial Revolution

During the second half of 18th century and first half the term Industrial Revolution has been applied to British industry.

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The term ‘Revolution’ connoted with suddenness and violence. But here it implies fundamental change. England was free from foreign invasion - also contributed to

industrial development of the country. Industrial Revolution thoroughly changed textiles, coal, iron

industries and also transport. Before revolution - textile work - done in cottages- ever

increasing demand for English textiles. New invention brought a tremendous change in textile field.

Important Inventions of the Age: Flying Shuttle - John Kay - 1733 - doubled the pace and made

weaving easy. Spinning Jenny - James Hargreaves - a carpenter - 1764 - speeded

up the making of yarn. 1769 - Richard Arkwright - a barber- invented a water power

machine called Water-Frame. 1779 - Samuel Crompton combined Jenny and Water-Frame and made

into - Mule Edmund Cartwright in 1785 invented Power-Loom- increased the

speed of weaving. 1779 - World’s first iron bridge was made spanning - River Severn In 1705 - Newcomen made stream engine to pump water out of coal

mines. In 1763 - James Watt - perfected the Stream Engine.

Changes in Mode of Transport: Revolution took place in transport also. After 1750 hundreds of Road Acts were passed- turnpikes trustees

were formed. The second half way of the century saw the construction of new

artificial waterways. The Duke of Bridgewater who is known as ‘the father of inland navigation.

George Stevenson invented first locomotive & 1st railway line between Stockton & Darlington in 1825.

First successful steamboat in Europe - Bell’s Coment - run between - Glasgow & Greenock - 1812Conclusion:

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Industrial Revolution had bad effects too - Population extended to a great extent.

In 1710 - population was five and a half million - 1750 - increased to 6 millions - 1801 census shows 9 million of population count.

Improper sanitation caused many kinds of diseases - This does mean - Industrial Revolution was without good results.

In the first place England became the workshop of the world - theproduction of goods in large scale paved way for fall in prices -besides led to increased demand of goods - in end many people were given employment.

DEFINATION: The term ‘Revolution’ connoted with suddenness and violence. But here the term (Industrial) Revolution implies fundamental change.

Effects of French Revolution

Defn:

The popular upsurge against the tyranny of Kings culminated in the abolition of monarchy and the establishment of the French Republic. This great political event of far -reaching consequences is called the French Revolution.

Points to Ponder:

† The reign of terror followed & ended in beheading King Louis - XVI and his Queen Mary - ten Napoleon became Emperor in May 1804.

† 1815 - Battle of Waterloo was fought.† The peace followed by war caused fall in the prices of coal and

iron.† After this millions of laborers & soldiers were left unemployed.† In 1816, Corn Law was passed - In 1846 Repeal of Corn of Law took

place, by the time Robert Peel was the Prime Minister.† Wide spread of discontent among the poor people due to low wages,

raise in price of corn besides unemployment.† In 1832 - First Reform Bill was passed.† The French Revolution- a source of inspiration to many Eng. Writers-

like Edmund Burke inspired to write famous book - “Reflections on the French Revolution”.

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† Thomas Paine - wrote “Rights of Man” - takes pain to justify the effects of French Revolution.

† Literary importance - inspired by the same political event is the”French Revolution” by Carlyle.

† No doubt the poetic unrolling - great historical melodrama illustrating the Nemesis - oppression of poor.

† Book contains - portraits of historical figures like Mirabeau, Lafayette, Danton, & Robespierre.

† “A Tale of Two Cities” - Charles Dickens - gives a true picture of Paris & London - at the same time of French Revolution.

† F. Revolution ushered a new era in History of Eng. Litt.† Coleridge & Words worth - published “Lyrical Ballads” in 1798.† Wordsworth discarded the artificial style - to him poetry should be

simple and understandable with ordinary common subject.† The movement ended by younger poets like Byron, Shelley and Coleridge.

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Means of Transport and Communication

Introduction:

There was a remarkable improvement in the social life of England during the 19th century. People maintained the habit ofvisiting their relatives, friends, in far and near places; spent days in holidaying in resorts and above all communicated with their kith and kin through letters. On the whole there was a tremendous progress in transport and communication.

Development in Means of Transport:

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The most important means of transport in the Victorian period was the railway. According to Trevelyan, “the railways were England’sgift to the world” George Stevenson invented the first railway engine; he named it “Active”. A few years later he invented more powerful engine andcalled it “Rocket” which travelled at the speed of thirty miles per hour. It was the opening of the railway that a former Cabinet MinisterWilliam Huskisson was killed. Fast-moving engines were invented with well built compartments along with other facilities were provided. Apart from many railway companies the most important railway company was the company started by George Hudson, who was popularly known as the Railway King.

Cheap Train Act:

In 1844 the Cheap Train Acts compelled the railway companies to run at least one train a day in each direction at reasonable fare of a penny a mile. In 1873, Board of Trade attached the Railway Commission had power and the rates for the carriage of goods and merchandise.

Development of Roadways:

The roads regained their importance when motor vehicles cameinto use. The fashionable bicycle played a prominent role in bringing back everlasting importance of roads. The common use of the motor car and motor-cycle was yet to come when Queen Victoria died in 1901.

Importance of Shipping:

Wood was used in the place of iron while making ships and sails were replaced by steam. In early 1847, the English steamships were few but in 1850s’ and 60s’ big ocean-going ships were made.

Establishment of Penny Post:

An outstanding development was the establishment of penny post in 1840 as a mode of communication. It was made by the tireless effort of a man called Sir Rowland Hill, who was a teacher by profession. Sending letters were costlier which poor could not afford besides imagine about it. According to Rowland Hill, the revenue of the State can be improved by lowering the postage rates and the rates

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should be same to any distance without any regard besides should be prepaid. In connection with the last principle he suggested a device which was subsequently known as the postage stamp. This system enabledthe poor to communicate with their loved ones. On the success of this big system, it was implemented in all the civilized countries.

Telegraph:

The inauguration of telegraph was witnessed in the same decade, invented by Samuel Morse. After many difficulties he built a first telegraph line in 1843 in United States from Baltimore to Washington. The next year he sent the first message on that line, “Whathath God wrought”. The electric telegraph was originated as an adjunct ofthe new railway system. Stearns and Edison developed methods of sending more than a message over the wire at the same time.

Telephone:

The telephone is the most popular and easiest means of communication, was invented by Alexander Graham Bell, a naturalized American. In 1856, he exhibited an apparatus embodying the results of his studies in the transmission of sound by electricity, and this invention with modifications constitutes a modern telephone. Queen Victoria was pleased with his demonstration of his invention. She gavehim patronage, based on that the first exchange was opened in London in 1879 with seven or eight subscribers. Today telephone is consideredas the easiest means of communication.

Conclusion:

Thus during the Victorian age inventions were enormous in the field of transport and communication which greatly helped peopleof all classes to maintain their rapport with their loved ones in life.

Points to Ponder:

† According to Trevelyan, “the railways were England’s gift to the world”.

† George Stevenson invented the first railway engine; he named it “Active”.

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† A few years later he invented more powerful engine and called it “Rocket” which travelled at the speed of thirty miles per hour.

† In 1843 - 2,000 miles of railway network was covered in Great Britain - in short period it raised to 5,000 miles.

† In 1860, over 10,000 miles were covered - in 1890, nearly 20,000 miles were covered.

† In 1844 - Cheap Train Act was compelled.† In 1873, Board of Trade- attached Railway Commission- gave power to

fix rates for goods in carriage and merchandise.† Apart from many railway companies the most important railway company

was the company started by George Hudson, who was popularly known asthe Railway King.

† 1840 - Establishment of Penny Post - by Sir Rowland Hill - a teacher† 1843 - Invention of Telegraph by Samuel Morse - first message on

that line, “What hath God wrought”.† In 1856, Alexander Graham Bell exhibited his invention of telephone

to Queen Victoria.The World Wars and Social Security

Introduction:

The first half of 20th century was a period of great progress everywhere, especially in England. The development of scienceand technology has brought lot of easy and comforts in man’s life. In the history of mankind the First World War brought about the holocaustof innumerable human lives and paralyzed the normal life of people allover the world.

Effects of First World War:

After the First World War which came to an end in 1918, the League of Nations was established by Woodrow Wilson the President of U.S.A. A fierce war of six years was again broke out and ended in 1945. Then United Nation Organization was established as an effective body but it is only a mediator for warring Nations. U.N.O is only an apology for world government. In strict sense it cannot be called a government because it lacks coercive power i.e., it does not have the power to punish an erring number. But several times it has acted as a preventer during war times.

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Effects of Second World War:

Second World War is often described as the war of liberation. The war brought an end to colonial rule and many nations became independent and enjoyed full sovereignty. Thus the age-long imperialism was gone and a new era of democracy bloomed.

Effects after the Wars:

The prominent change after the First World War was the social leveling up. The working class people no more faced the acute status, which was as a result of soldiers sharing in the camp life during the war-time. The wealthy upper class status turned upsidedown and could no longer enjoy all their luxuries as the State imposedon them many taxes like the Death Duty.

Economic Status of the Working Class People:

The mass production of clothes enabled the work man’s wife to follow the fashions of the ladies rank. There was a tremendous improvement in purchasing clothes like ready -made suits bywork man.

Educational Improvement:

Education played an effective role in realizing classless society. After war period the sons of workers were found increasing numbers as scholars and students in Universities like Oxford, Cambridge, London and many others. After 1919 the seats were no longer reserved for the sons of upper and middle classes in BritishUniversities.

Revolutionary Change in Fashion:

Women’s dresses were no longer designed toconceal feminine charms. Women wore Petticoats and ankle-length dresses and skirts reaching only up to the knees. Smart young men woreshapeless balloon-like trousers which covered the entire shoe.

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Status of Domestic Servants:

A very striking change was that the upper and middle class people found very tough to get a domestic servants. The main reason was the change in trend of working class women to move from domestic into factories and offices.

Reflection of Second World War:

The Second World War changed the entire face of earth. After war England made an earnest attempt in minimizing the gap between the rich and poor. The grand old theory of Laissez -Faire was given up and the State embarked on the policy of nationalization. Coal, gas, wireless and air transport were brought under the State control.

Post World War Election:

Soon after Second World War a generalelection was held in 1945 and the Labour Party with Clement Attlee came into power as Prime Minister. The Labour government passed a number of Acts. According to Family Allowance Act an allowance was given to family with two or more children of school-going age. In 1946, National Insurance Act was passed to which workers and employerscontributions raised. Free medical help was available to all except a few. The system was a boon to millions of people and it helped to improve the health of public.

Benevolent Act:

The third benevolent act passed byAttlee government was the National Assistance Act. A National Assistance Board was established, its main duty was to supplement income to needy families. Poor people were given educational facilities.

Conclusion:

Thus in 1950 the Labour Ministry wentout of power. But the successive Conservative Governments followed the

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policy enabled by Labour Party. Thus the government paved way for England to become a welfare State.

Important Years and Definitions:

Laissez-Faire:

A policy of non - interference in the course ofthings, (if a government has a policy of Laissez -Faire it does not give many laws and rules which control the buying and selling of goodsand service.) (OR)

Laissez-Faire is the policy based on the idea that governments and laws should not interfere with business, finance, or the conditions ofpeople’s working lives.

Death Duty:

Death duty is a tax which had to be paid on the money and property of someone who had died. This tax is now called inheritance tax.

Effects of Second World War:

Second World War is often described as the war of liberation. The war brought an end to colonial rule and many nations became independent and enjoyed full sovereignty.

1945 - Clement Attlee became the Prime Minister of England.

1946 - National Insurance Act was passed.

1950 - Labour Ministry went out of power

Educational Improvement:

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Education played an effective role in realizing classless society. After war period the sons of workers were found increasing numbers as scholars and students in Universities like Oxford, Cambridge, London and many others. After 1919 the seats were no longer reserved for the sons of upper and middle classes in BritishUniversities.

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Trade Unionism in England