Week 5

A brief summary of England’s Edwardian period:

The Edwardian Era lasted from about 1901 until WWI started in 1910.  It marked the start of the decline from Britain’s peak power as an empire.  During this period, India was in the midst of its struggle for independence, and other nations like Japan, the US, and Germany were rising in power.  It marked several radical changes for England in a relatively short time frame.  The suffragettes began meeting in earnest and took militant action by 1905, leading to a series of demonstrations and protests.  In 1908, “Women’s Sunday” became the largest political demonstration in London, and women are arrested and go on hunger strikes the following year.  Women would not gain enfranchisement until 1918, however.  King Edward was influential in bringing to pass the Parliament Act of 1911, which solidified the relationship between the roles of the Commons and the Lords.  Before his death, he backed the “People’s Budget” that would tax the wealthy and fund social welfare.
               King George was generally considered a peacemaker.  Under his rule, child labor declined tremendously due to more sever laws against it.  Another cool thing is that both he and the era that he lived in was also noted for excellent achievements in fashion.  People were very tidy and well-dressed in the upper and middle classes and craftsman made fine works of furniture.