The British are coming!
Great Britain had tried to conquer the people of the United States for the 3rd time. The 2nd was the war of 1812 for 3 years and the first as you should know, was the American revolution war of 1775 which lasted nearly a decade. In the years 1837 to 1901, the people of The United Kingdom also known as Victorians or The Victorian Era won American’s hearts.
“Third time’s the charm” as they say. The American society has finally gave in to Great Britain and adopted Victorian culture and both cultures forever integrated.
The Victorian Era was a time of lifestyle, fashion, culture and rich taste; which later on lead to the Gilded Age. As quickly as Queen Victoria reigned, the Victorian Era took the World by storm. The United States of American, amongst other former colonies of Great Britain, were elated to bask in Victorian Glory. Hence, they adopted Victorian culture and it’s ways. The United States, did not get it’s own identity not until the beginning of the 20th with the Industrial Revolution.
After 2 long bloody wars, the people of the United States and Britain; amiably shared Art & culture, fashion, technology and religion.
The well to do/the middle class and the wealthy in America, were constantly trying to out do one another in a battle of opulence. The rich and wealthy made it a sport to build large country estates in the suburbs, which were built to emulate Victorian homes in the United Kingdom. Victorian homes were lavishly draped in fancy furnishing, many rooms with specified purpose, chimneys, and servants.
The most well known Victorian homes in America are, Lynnewood Hall in Pennsylvania which is later years became my dwelling. The Painted Ladies in San Francisco CA, The Winchester House in San Jose CA, and countless other homes demolished, ( think Newport Mansions ) and some survived today.
As I sit my modest parlor in the West End of London, I can not help but wonder about venturing in Victorian America. Yes, indeed the British have finally conquered the people of America once more.
