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Description
During the 1840fs Britain was the most stable of all the European countries. This programme looks at the strength of the governing classes, the power and influence of the emerging industrialists, a...nd the adoption of middle class values by large sections of the working class. John Golby, who is a staff tutor at the Open University, begins by looking at the Great Exhibition of 1851 as a symbol of material achievement and the ethic of hard work and self-help. The same values inspired much civic development in the now industrial towns; town halls, parks, and educational institutions. Sections of the working class, who were benefitting from the country's growing prosperity, felt part of a self confident society, shared its values and would not have supported revolution. This atmosphere of self satisfaction was inherently dangerous, but the weaknesses it engendered were not apparent for another twenty years.
During the 1840fs Britain was the most stable of all the European countries. This programme looks at the strength of the governing classes, the power and influence of the emerging industrialists, a...nd the adoption of middle class values by large sections of the working class. John Golby, who is a staff tutor at the Open University, begins by looking at the Great Exhibition of 1851 as a symbol of material achievement and the ethic of hard work and self-help. The same values inspired much civic development in the now industrial towns; town halls, parks, and educational institutions. Sections of the working class, who were benefitting from the country's growing prosperity, felt part of a self confident society, shared its values and would not have supported revolution. This atmosphere of self satisfaction was inherently dangerous, but the weaknesses it engendered were not apparent for another twenty years.
| Module code and title: | A321, The revolutions of 1848 |
|---|---|
| Item code: | A321; 10 |
| First transmission date: | 22-09-1976 |
| Published: | 1976 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:23:01 |
| Note: | This programme was originally titled 'The Winning Side' |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Patricia Hodgson |
| Contributors: | J. M.(John M.) Golby; Anthony Herrick |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Great Exhibition 1851; James Sharples; Leeds Town Hall |
| Footage description: | The opening sequence shows Victorian illustrations of the Great Exhibition, over which Herrick reads Macauley's description of the opening day. Golby comments on bourgeois fears of Revolution in 1851, over prints of the middle classes Prints of the poor illustrate his description of the living conditions of the lower classes. From the studio, Golby comments on the chances of Revolution in England in l851. Over a number of prints of the Great Exhibition, Golby describes its popularity. A table is used to give attendance figures. Herrick read an account of working class attendance at the Exhibition, from the Illustrated London News. Golby comments on this. Over a variety of illustrations, Golby describes the manufacturing achievements of nineteenth century Britain. He comments on the Gospel of Work, and on the growth of wealth among the middle and upper classes. Over numerous prints of mid-nineteenth century Leeds, Golby describes the city's manufacturing industries and prosperity. The significance of Leeds Town Hall is examined. Changes in middle class attitudes to poverty and work are described. The career of Thomas Cook is given as an example of 'getting on'. The careers of James Crossland and James Sharpies are examined, and some of Sharpies' paintings shown. The activities and doctrines of Samuel Smiles are described. Sharpies' design for the emblem of the Amalgamated Society of Engineers is analysed in detail. Golby explains the difference between the A.S.E. and the popular protest groups of the 1840s. He concludes by summarising the reasons for the lack of revolution in England. |
| Master spool number: | 6HT/72102 |
| Production number: | 00525_3222 |
| Videofinder number: | 3318 |
| Available to public: | no |
