1. Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

2. The Regency Period The novel occurs between Christmas 1812, to the winter of 1840. In 1812, King George III was still England's monarch, but his madness -- obvious to everyone since 1810 -- had hastened a transfer of power to the Prince Regent.

3. The Regency Period-- Aftermath The Regency Period lasted from 1810 until George III's death in 1820; afterwards, the Regent became George IV. George IV died in 1830, and was succeeded by King William, who was in turn succeeded by Queen Victoria in 1837. The action of Great Expectations thus occurs against the backdrop of rapid political change -- four monarchs in as many decades.

4. Some Major Events Abolition – In 1833, slavery was abolished in England. It remained legal in America for another thirty years.

5. Some Major Events The Industrial Revolution – took place chiefly in England and America in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, was a period of significant technological development. The invention and implementation of steam power -- especially in steamboats and railroads -- revolutionized transportation, and permanently changed the English landscape.

6. Some Major Events Dissolution of the Class System – Although the gentry remain to this day, with new advances in technology it was becoming easier to become a man of distinction and means.

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