Florence Nightingale and social reformers

Study note

The Victorian period produced important reformers who changed society for the better. Florence Nightingale is regarded as the founder of modern nursing. She cared for wounded soldiers during the Crimean War, greatly improved the cleanliness and organisation of hospitals, and later set up a training school for nurses. She should not be confused with Emmeline Pankhurst, who campaigned for women's votes, or with Mary Peters or Queen Victoria.

Another key reformer was William Wilberforce, a Member of Parliament and a committed Christian who led the long campaign against the slave trade. His work helped bring about the abolition of the slave trade in the British Empire. So remember the pairing clearly: Florence Nightingale is linked to modern nursing, and William Wilberforce is linked to ending the slave trade.

Memory tip: Florence Nightingale = modern nursing; Wilberforce = ending the slave trade.