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The British Empire and the Victorian Age

Study note

Queen Victoria reigned from 1837 to 1901, a very long period known as the Victorian Age. Her reign was not in the medieval period, so dates such as 1066 to 1130 are wrong; the correct span is 1837 to 1901. During these years Britain was at the height of its power and influence in the world.

It was under Queen Victoria that the British Empire grew to become the largest empire the world has ever seen, covering huge parts of the globe and including hundreds of millions of people. This happened during her reign, not during that of Elizabeth I, Henry VIII or King John. At the same time, Britain's industry, trade and middle classes expanded greatly. Remember the dates 1837 to 1901 and that the Empire reached its greatest size under Queen Victoria.

Memory tip: Victorian Age 1837-1901: the British Empire was the largest in history.

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Question 1 of 2

During whose reign did the British Empire become the largest in the world?

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Show all questions and answers for The British Empire and the Victorian Age(2 questions with explanations)

The British Empire and the Victorian Age: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. During whose reign did the British Empire become the largest in the world?

    • King John
    • Henry VIII
    • Elizabeth I
    • Queen Victoria

    Correct answer: Queen Victoria

    Under Queen Victoria (1837-1901) the British Empire became the largest in history.

  2. 2. Which of these statements is correct?

    • Queen Victoria reigned from 1837 to 1901
    • Queen Victoria reigned from 1066 to 1130

    Correct answer: Queen Victoria reigned from 1837 to 1901

    Queen Victoria reigned from 1837 to 1901.

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