Glencoe World History

Chapter 19: Industrialization and Nationalism, 1800–1870

Web Activity Lesson Plans

Introduction
The reign of Queen Victoria was a period of considerable political, economic, and political change for Great Britain. In this activity students will read about Victoria herself and about the changing nature of Great Britain during her reign.

Lesson Description
Students will go to the Queen Victoria's Empire Web site to read about Victoria's life and reign. After answering a series of questions based on their reading, students will rank Victoria's influence on, and relationship with, four important elements of the Victorian era. Students will explain their rankings in writing.

Instructional Objectives

1. Students will be able to discuss the life of Queen Victoria.
2. Students will be able to apply what they have learned by ranking important developments and relationships during Queen Victoria's reign in terms of their historical significance.

Student Web Activity Answers

1. Her father was an Englishman, Edward, Duke of Kent. Her mother was a German, Victoire, Duchess of Amorbach. Her godfather was the Russian tsar, Alexander I.
2. The first Reform Bill (1832) made Great Britain a constitutional monarchy. The sovereign's powers became largely moral and symbolic.
3. When Victoria became pregnant, Albert assumed her ceremonial functions. Eventually, he became her primary adviser.
4. After Albert's death, Victoria went into seclusion, avoiding public appearances for years.
5. Students' rankings will vary but should include historical information to support the rankings.