In the 19th century, electrotherapy, also known as shock therapy, gained popularity as a treatment for various ailments across the United Kingdom. It was believed that this “advanced technology” could rid the patient’s system of ailments ranging from gout and liver problems to arthritis. The approach involved subjecting the body to electric shocks in the hope of purging the perceived negative elements.
While shock therapy still finds application in certain specific cases today, it is safe to assume that the methods employed during that era were far from subtle. Moreover, the efficacy of such treatments for liver problems was questionable at best. As medical understanding has evolved, more refined and targeted approaches have replaced the indiscriminate use of shock therapy.
The Widow of Windsor
Following the tragic demise of Queen Victoria's beloved husband, Albert, England's ruler plunged into profound grief that endured for decades. The loss weighed heavily upon the queen, leading her to embrace seclusion for the remainder of her existence. She adamantly declined any public engagements, donning somber black attire for an astonishing four decades until her eventual passing.
The monarch's profound mourning earned her the moniker "the Widow of Windsor." As time passed, whispers of her descending into madness began to circulate, further distorting the image of the once vibrant queen that lingered in people's memories. Throughout those years, she starkly contrasted to the regal figure she had once embodied.
No Makeup
During the Victorian era, adherence to strict societal norms governed the behaviors of high-society women, including their approach to makeup. It was deemed inappropriate for refined ladies to wear any cosmetic enhancement. The use of makeup was associated with women of a different profession, leading to a stigmatized perception. Lipstick, in particular, was considered suspicious, as its allure was considered bewitching and potentially manipulative to men.
Instead, cultured women seeking a touch of color would resort to more acceptable means. Some daring individuals might resort to pinching their cheeks or discreetly applying a hint of rouge, cautiously exploring their risqué side while still conforming to the era's restrictive beauty standards.
Getting Ripped
In the Victorian era, physical beauty held great significance among the upper echelons of high society. Similar to contemporary times, individuals with considerable wealth and leisure time dedicated significant effort to self-care. Men of the upper class engaged in bodybuilding, while women sought to maintain their figures using what were then considered cutting-edge exercise contraptions.
Countless fad diets and workout trends emerged during this period, catering to the beauty aspirations of the elite. Astonishingly, there were nearly 200 gyms scattered across Europe at that time, a testament to the importance placed on physical well-being. Although by today's standards, this might seem commonplace, during the Victorian era, these pursuits were exclusive to the privileged few, adding to their sense of elitism.
The Era of Inventions
The late 19th century witnessed remarkable strides in technological advancements. In 1876, Alexander Graham Bell revolutionized communication with the invention of the telephone, while Guglielmo Marconi's creation of the radio in 1895 opened up new avenues of wireless transmission. The period also witnessed the emergence of transformative inventions such as the television, the train, the camera, and the vacuum cleaner.
Among these remarkable innovations, one stood out as particularly invaluable—the toilet. This essential invention vastly improved sanitation and hygiene standards, contributing to public health and comfort. The industrial ingenuity of the era propelled England into a state of profound transformation, as these inventions shaped and reshaped society, marking a defining period in history.