Queen Victoria's Empire

At the time of Queen Victoria’s birth in 1819, England was an agrarian society. Within a few short decades, this small island nation would be transformed into an industrial superpower, with an empire spanning the globe.

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Created By

Status

Ended

Original Name

Queen Victoria's Empire

First Air Date

June 17, 2001

Last Air Date

June 24, 2001

Seasons

Episodes

Language

English

Production Companies

Brook Lapping Productions

Networks

PBS

S01E04

The Scramble for Africa

The Suez Canal is threatened by a holy war in the Sudan, and General Charles Gordon, killed by the rebels, becomes an "imperial martyr." Cecil Rhodes prospects diamond deposits in southern Africa, and asserts British control in the region. However, as Victoria celebrates her Diamond Jubilee, the empire is on the verge of its darkest hours. The Boer War leads to devastating losses and a reassessment of British purpose. Finally, in 1901, the death of Queen Victoria marks the end of an extraordinary era.

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