The Role Of Imperial Britain In The Victorian Era

Imperial Britain in the Victorian Era: A Time of Change
During the Victorian era, the British Empire thrived as the most powerful imperial force in the world. It was a time of great change: in addition to continued expansion of the empire, there were also many advances in science, as well as the start of an industrial revolution. According to Eric Hobsbawm, there are three primary demands a state makes in terms of public art and architecture: “the first is to glorify power itself, which in the European context usually involved the construction of victory arches and columns on the Roman model; the second is the organisation of art as a public drama, by means of ceremonial avenues and spaces designed for spectacular performances; the third is to use art in the service of education or propaganda.”(Driver, Gilbert). One area in London
Trafalgar Square, which lies in the heart of central London, is a celebration of Britain’s imperial past. The Square is named after the Battle of Trafalgar, which took place on 21 October 1805 between the British Royal navy and the navies of France and Spain, and was Britain’s most significant naval victory of the War of the Third Coalition (Lambert). Trafalgar Square is the home of many statues dedicated to some of Britain’s greatest military leaders, most of which date back to the 19th century. The first thing I noticed when I arrived at Trafalgar Square is the massive pillar located at the centre of the square. This is Nelson’s Column, which is