We Make History - An Introduction to the Early Victorian Era

It has come to my attention that some of you have an interest in developing a period “look” for the Grand Balls oriented to the “Early Victorian / Civil War” era. I would be glad to do anything I can to encourage and facilitate this desire. Below you will find links to some information I have written regarding the dress of the era in question. If at first it seems overwhelming, don’t be dismayed! For those of us who take our look very seriously, much time and money have been expended to acquire a wardrobe we find acceptable. But even reenactors range from those who have studied and are scrupulous of even small details to those who are just beginning.

So don’t be daunted my friends. Fear not! This is all new to you and it is your desire and effort, whatever the outcome, which will be applauded and appreciated. Enjoy yourselves!

If you would like guidance regarding where to acquire period-type patterns, fabrics or ready-made clothes I would be happy to supply you with advice and good sources.

Your humble servant,

An Introduction to the Early Victorian Era

The middle decades of the 19th century were a time of romance and elegance but also of

industrialization, change and conflict. “Gentlemen” were motivated by the ideals of honor and

chivalry while “ladies” were virtuous, admirable and if need be heroic. These ideals and

associated codes of behavior were found throughout western civilization but were perhaps

most deeply cherished and practiced in England and the American South. Yet at the same time

this was an era that also saw the rise in wealth and power of rail barons, shipping magnates

and industrial tycoons whose ethics were often considerably different than those held by

country gentlemen. Meanwhile, preachers such as Charles Spurgeon of England and Dwight

L. Moody of the United States gained international renown calling millions to faith and virtue

even as the theories of Charles Darwin and Karl Marx began to pull others in very different

directions. Radical elements among nationalist, abolitionist and other political groups began

to espouse and practice what we would today call terrorism in their desire to tear down and

then remake society according to their own visions. A few early feminists demanded the

“right” to dress like men and smoke cigars, a position that was appalling to the vast majority

of women during a time when classic feminine virtues were greatly admired and appreciated

by both sexes. Thus had begun a lengthy clash of industrial vs. agrarian, urban vs. rural,

atheism vs. faith and liberal vs. conservative which in time would result in many of the

traditional ways being “gone with the wind” in the wake of a “modern” world.

In Europe the British Empire of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert had achieved international

commercial success through being “mistress of the waves” and reaping the benefits of

worldwide colonial holdings. Under the leadership of Otto von Bismarck, Prussia was on its

meteoric rise to European preeminence due to diplomatic successes, stunning military

victories over the Austrian and French Empires and commitment to an efficient and successful

industrial economy. Prussia’s rise would culminate in the unification of Germany in 1871. Italy

pursued unification as well behind the leadership of such patriots as Guiseppe Garibaldi. The

Ottoman Empire continued its steep decline and Russia found itself being punished by an

international coalition during the Crimean War, a conflict which would see the efforts of

Florence Nightingale as well as the “Charge of the Light Brigade”. France was ruled by Louis

Napoleon (aka Napoleon III), nephew and namesake of the earlier and greater French Emperor.

As well known as Napoleon III was his wife Empress Eugenie. The most imitated woman of

her time, Eugenie’s tastes in fashion were followed to a greater degree than any woman since

Marie Antoinette, Queen of France during the late 18th century. (Alors, Why is it always the

French?) Eugenie is even credited by many with both beginning and later ending the

hoopskirt craze, the most defining and easily recognized fashion symbol of the era. Charles

Dickens wrote novels which featured both the best and worst aspects of the various classes

of English society, “Pre-Raphaelite” artists satisfied a growing taste for historic/romantic

painting and in Vienna, grand capitol of Austria, Johann Strauss composed music for waltzes.

Originating in Germany, the waltz would prove to be the most popular and enduring of the

new couple oriented dance forms which were beginning to sweep Europe.

In the United States, the “manifest destiny” of western expansion proceeded unabated.

Mexican dictator Santa Anna, the self-styled “Napoleon of the West”, sent forces across the

Rio Grande, boasting that he would capture Washington, D.C. and “plant the tricolor on the

banks of the Potomac.” But in the end it was his own capitol which was taken by American

forces led by Winfield Scott (with the United States flag flying over the “Halls of

Montezuma”) at the culmination of an effort that the Duke of Wellington considered the

“greatest military campaign of modern times.”

“Texas Fever” continued to draw thousands to that independent nation which then became

the “Lone Star” state. The “Gold Rush” of 1849 attracted multitudes to California while tales

of good land had a similar effect in populating Oregon.

Railroads, coal mines, steel mills and shipping interests flourished yet cotton was still king,

accounting for over half the total value of U.S. exports in 1860 and providing (through tariffs)

the lion’s share of the revenue for federal spending.

For political, economic, constitutional and (not least of all) cultural reasons the northern and

southern states finally came to blows in 1861. The resultant “War Between the States” held

enough tragedy, sacrifice, heroism and human drama to still inspire people today. Civil War

reenacting has the highest number of participants of any type of historical reenacting in the

United States, the second highest number in Great Britain (behind England’s own Civil War of

the 1640’s), and is also practiced by groups in France, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Denmark,

Sweden, Italy, Australia and even Japan!

Movies which endeavor to portray aspects of this time period include Gone With the Wind,

Little Women, Ride With the Devil, Gettysburg, Shenandoah and The Littlest Rebel.

Non-fiction books dealing with the era are abundant and easy to find as are classic works of

fiction written during the period by authors such as Charles Dickens, Sir Walter Scott, Louisa

May Alcott, Augusta Jane Evans, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Herman Melville. Margaret

Mitchell’s Gone With the Wind is a must read and I would also highly recommend Lamb In

His Bosom by Caroline Miller, So Red The Rose by Stark Young and None Shall Look Back

and Penhally, both by Caroline Gordon. Each of these is a real gem which utilizes fictional but

realistic characters to bring to life the thinking, culture, events, struggles and personalities of

the time. For autobiographical works chronicling the real life experiences of everyday people

during the Civil War I know of nothing to compare to "A Mississippi Rebel In The Army of

Northern Virginia" for a truly riveting man’s perspective and would recommend "A Blockaded

Family", "The War the Women Lived" and "Heroines of Dixie" for the gripping experiences

of female participants.

Please Note: This article is the copyrighted property of the author and should not be copied or reproduced except by express written permission.