Why was the Edwardian times a 'golden age'?

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Why was the Edwardian times a ‘golden age’?

The Edwardian period is supposedly one which is superior to any other period in recent history, one where the British empire was at it’s peak, and where the people were very patriotic. Young boys enjoyed cricket, football, rugby and even camping. Bachelors travelled Europe freely meantime women copied the latest European fashions and hairstyles. Similarly, the rest of the world saw success; Madame curie discovers radioactivity while the first Nobel Prize is awarded. The Wright Brothers launch an aeroplane, Henry Ford mass produces his car as Albert Einstein unveils the theory of relativity. Despite all of this, was life as great as it appeared to be? Did everybody really live in this perfect world? Or was it just for the people who could afford it?

England was a dominant force in the civilised world, it’s empire was one of the largest, and greatly influenced so much of the world. This made the people particularly proud to be British. This patriotism eventually led to the rich enjoying life more whether this was by embracing new leisure sports or buying the new revolutionary jewellery.  South African diamonds or pearls back-dropped by platinum only emphasised their enormous wealth, and demonstrated their social rank. Although in the past they were rare, beautifully-cut coloured gemstones were now readily available. Clothes became reliable on the natural shape of the woman, with looser fitting clothes so she could play tennis, or other sports. Young boys would be enrolled into scouts, there would be local sports clubs, where you could watch or play. The super-rich would also own a telephone, an electric lamp and a whole collection of servants.

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Although, clearly there was a large divide in society, the upper class, middle class and the working class. The upper class only represented 3% of the country, the majority of people were in fact the working class.  The lives of the majority of people were evidently not at all glamorous, most working class women were maids or cooks, and most working class men were factory workers, for the rich. The middle class was relatively well off and had at least one servant in a decent house. However the poor usually grew families in very cramped small rooms. Men in ...

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