Cold War

Towards the end of the 19th century, much advancement occurred in society that has left its mark to this day. The British began to explore new theologies and experiment with different mental and social aspects. Developments in the areas of education resulted in the growth of schools and universities around England. The education of women was a new phenomenon while the development of games improved social life to no end. Improvement in the medical sector made it possible for people to live longer, thus increasing the population. The population of Great Britain rose from about 26 million in 1871 to some 37 million thirty years later. People varied their lives by searching different outlets in society for enjoyment and entertainment. The darker days were left behind for a brighter, more comfortable, and secure future.

Education was an area that improved immensely between the years 1870 and 1886. Advancements occurred at both ends of the scale; in elementary schools and in universities. 'The 1870 Education Act ordained that, for the first time, a school should be placed within the reach of every English child'. People realised the importance of education and by 1880 attendance in schools was made compulsory. The ancient universities of Oxford and Cambridge were unattainable to the middle-class rank and file due to religious tests and the cost of their residential system. A number of colleges were founded such as Owens College at Manchester (1850) and Mason College at Birmingham (1875). These colleges aimed to provide 3rd level education to the ordinary people in the same relation to the local day-school system as Oxford and Cambridge. They also set out to secure curricula in new modern subjects of vocational value. The dissenters, whom Oxford and Cambridge banned, found a new outlet to pursue their studies.