What was life like in edwardian England?

- Social structure: Society was strictly hierarchical, with the upper class (aristocrats, landowners) at the top and the working class (factory workers, miners) at the bottom. Middle class was growing.

- Urbanization: Rapid urbanization led to crowded cities and poor living conditions for many.

- Transportation: Horse-drawn carriages were common, but automobiles began to appear. Bicycles and trams were also used.

- Communication: The telephone and telegraph revolutionized communication, making it easier to stay in touch over long distances.

- Education: Education was not compulsory and literacy rates varied. Many elementary schools, but secondary education was limited to the privileged.

- Entertainment: Music halls, theaters, and sporting events were popular pastimes.

Fashion and Etiquette:

- Women's fashion: Long, flowing dresses with elaborate hats and accessories were popular. Corsets were widely used to achieve a slim silhouette.

- Men's fashion: Three-piece suits and top hats were the norm for formal occasions, while casual wear included tweed jackets and knickerbockers.

- Etiquette was emphasized, with strict codes of conduct for both men and women.

Technology and Industry:

- Industrialization was in full swing, leading to rapid economic growth and technological advancements.

- Mass production and new inventions like the internal combustion engine, electricity, and the telephone transformed industries.

- Coal mining, shipbuilding, and textile manufacturing were major industries.

Suffrage and Social Movements:

- Women's suffrage movement campaigned for women's right to vote, leading to the Representation of the People Act in 1918.

- Labor movement fought for improved working conditions and workers' rights. Trade unions and strikes were important means of achieving these goals.

Politics:

- The Liberal Party dominated the early 1900s, enacting social reforms and increasing government involvement in the economy and social welfare.

- The Conservative Party focused on preserving the status quo and resisting radical change.

- The Labour Party, representing the working class, gained strength and influence during this period.