Attitudes and Values
Most Canadians and those who lived in other colonies of British North America, were British citizens and followed Victorian values.Victorian ideals complemented their own beliefs about morals, hard work, success in business, and power. They were very sure of themselves and had few doubts about their values and beliefs.Victorian society was distinctly Christian. The people of this era placed a high value on personal modesty and on "gravity", a kind of seriousness.Victorian era was not grim, it was very optimistic. Canadians thought of themselves as British.Most English Victorians had no doubt that they were superior to all other peoples, and that to be born British was "to win the lottery of life."Victorian values included a strict moral code and an obsession with social status. The class system of Britain and Europe operated in the US and Canada.Their occupation and social standing was still largely determined by family background and social connections. Middle-class Victorians were very prudish, and they believed that people could be easily tempted to stray from proper behaviour.
With no television or radio, no movies, videos, or recorded music, people relied on personal ways to entertain themselves. Science and MedicineIn the nineteenth century, people were amazed as scientists and inventors made discoveries, many which seemed like magic. Journalists often mixed fiction with fact to stir public curiosity. Houses of the rich professionals and merchants were large and substantial, indicating the owner's importance in the community. To them clothing indicated social status and Victorian values. Large house were also necessary because large families were common. So many new germs were introduced to a patient's body. He also discovered the cause of anthrax, cholera, and rabies. The Victorians had a taste for many amusements that are still enjoyed now days by Canadians, but some of their amusements would be considered bizarre or brutal these days. In the country bar raisings, quilting bees, weddings, "ceilidhs" [parties with Scottish or Irish music, dancing and stories], barn dances, and other diversions were freely available. To the decor these days' Victorian rooms would look untidy and overdone. They would often intoxicate or nauseate people, but with no medicinal effect. The Victorians loved medicine shows. Books and magazines were very popular because many people could read.
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