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Preview: Queen Victoria’s Empire- The Moral Crusade/The Scramble for Africa

Portrait photograph of Queen Victoria dressed for the wedding of The Duke and Duchess of Albany.

Portrait photograph of Queen Victoria dressed for the wedding of The Duke and Duchess of Albany.

Coming up on September 22, Canada and the United States will be treated to an airing of Queen Victoria- The Moral Crusade/The Scramble for Africa.

Despite Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s lifestyle of tradition, the couple had a much livelier side. On such example is Victoria enjoyed the private perks of being married, having Albert to have a mechanical lock on their Osborne House bedroom door within reach of his pillow.

By 1861, Britain was not only the most powerful nation on earth but also the wealthiest, yet they took a hit when they suffered a massive loss. Unfortunately, the untimely death of Prince Albert shook Queen Victoria to the core and as she retreated away from all but the necessary public life, so did many of Albert’s political ideals.

Narrated by actor Donald Sutherland, the documentary explores Disraeli and Gladstone battle for control of the British government and the debate of what course the entire empire will take. After the purchase of the Suez Canal solidified Britain’s place in the Middle East, the massive rush to colonize Africa followed.

A page from the official catalogue from the Colonial and Indian Exhibition, 1886 (microform)

A page from the official catalogue from the Colonial and Indian Exhibition, 1886 (microform)

Queen Victoria’s prime minister, W.E. Gladstone, disliked the British colonial involvement, but in 1886 the Colonial and Indian Exhibition in South Kensington took place. Opened by Victoria, the exhibition gave those who never travelled, Victoria included who never travelled further than France and Italy, the chance to be transported to the British Colonies across the globe. There were an entire Indian Hall and a bazaar of exhibits from Australia, Africa, and Canada. She was greeted by those “in the richest, brightest costumes” before entering the Albert Hall for a formal celebration. Despite Gladstone’s determination to diminish the Empire, it was evident no one inside that Hall shared his feelings.

Queen Victoria’s Empire- The Moral Crusade/The Scramble for Africa airs on Tuesday, September 22, 03:00 pm on KCTS 9 HDSeattle/Yakima and 3:00 pm on KYVE 47Yakima.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia, Wikimedia(2)