England. The Rise of the Empire. The History of the Kingdom in the 19th Century

This book covers the remarkable 19th century, destined to be remembered as an age of technological progress, flourishing art, and extraordinary changes in all areas of society. The action begins in 1815, when England's triumph after the Battle of Waterloo was followed by a post-war depression, and ends with the death of Queen Victoria in January 1901. Covering the end of the Regency era, Ackroyd leads readers from the ascent to the throne of the extravagant George IV, whose government was headed by Lord Liverpool, who opposed reforms, to the ‘sailor king’ William IV, during whose reign the political system was modernized and slavery was abolished. But it was the ascension to the throne of the very young Queen Victoria that marked the beginning of an era of rapid innovation. The age of technological progress had begun: from steam trains to the first telegram. The best English inventions were showcased at the first World Exhibition in 1851. The emergence of the middle class changed the face of society, and scientific achievements shook the old foundations of the Anglican Church and spread secular ideas among the population.