1. Victorian Values In Canada
Social Studies 10:
Fashion in “Best Dressed at the Golden Globes”
Fashion in “Best Dressed in Victorian Canada”
Think about values. In one picture we have a lot of skin, trying to show wealth. In the other. Very hidden. Trying to show modesty not wealth

2. Victorian Values in Canada
So now that we have an idea of what our values and beliefs are in Canadian society are today, let’s rewind the clock to the time period we are focusing on: 1840 to 1867
As we know, the 1837 Rebellion and Act of Union of 1840 have just occurred
Upper and Lower Canada have been united and now have responsible government
Although the Canadas have gained some independence from Great Britain we must still be aware that Great Britain and the monarchy still greatly impacted Canadian life

3. Victorian Values in Canada
Queen Victoria was now the ruler of the British Empire
While Queen, she was the largest influence on the British Empire
Her values, beliefs and attitudes were adopted by people who did not even live in Great Britain
Many Canadians were influenced in their daily lives by her values
Because of Queen Victoria, Canadian society changed drastically during this time period
Queen Victoria’s Reign

4. Modeling the Queen Victorian Values were: Work hard
Success in business and dealing with others
Have attitude: confidence in themselves. Swag.
Religion was very important. Christian based
Status: Show wealth, snobbery, show superiority over others who were non-British
Materialistic: Showed wealth through large houses, beautiful decorations and expensive clothing
Always act proper
Which of these values do we still have in today’s society?
Write these on the board

5. Modeling the Queen In Canada
These Victorian values were also in Canada at these times. Many Canadians were still loyal to Great Britain, and many even viewed themselves as being British
Consequently this meant they would follow Victorian values
Following Victorian values meant, that essentially Great Britain was Canada’s role model
Canada copied British fashion, decorating, building which were all related to Victorian values
Mostly in Canada West. Still French influence in Canada East.

6. Victorian Women Victorian Women in Canada:
Women still were not equal to men
Women did not have suffrage and still could not own property
Victorian women were to always be fully clothed, not to show any skin to show how proper they were
Their dresses would be made out of the finest clothes to show wealth and status
They would have material goods: Such as parasols to show wealth

7. Victorian Men in Canada
To show their value of wealth and material: Men dressed very well in Canada at the time
Suits and ties were common even at sporting events
Even labourers who were not as wealthy still attempted to dress fancy
Remember: This was caused by Victorian values

8. Victorian Architecture in Canada
Large houses and buildings to show wealth and status: Usually for large families
Usually churches were the greatest buildings in the entire city, because of their importance and use in Victorian society
Architecture in London
Architecture in Toronto

9. Victorian Decoration in Canada
Large, heavy furniture, heavy curtain, smaller rooms
Numerous artifacts and decor: to us would seem cluttered. To Victorian Canadians, this was normal
Decor were material goods to show wealth and status over others. Does this still occur?
The poor would decorate their much smaller homes with cheaper decor
Picture your grandparents house

10. Victorian Skit Activity
- In your groups you have 10 minutes to plan a 1-2 minute skit:
- In this skit you will be an Upper Canadian family in 1840s Canada
- Your group is a family has just sat down at the dinner table or is just about to sit down for dinner in their Victorian home
You need to include your new knowledge of Victorian life and values
In your skit, you must include all of the following:
- A mention of Victorian fashion
- A mention of gender roles at that time
- A mention of the decorations in their home

11. Lastly: Creating Your Own Values
You have been sent back in time and are the monarch of England
You will be creating your own set of values for Canadians living during this time
You are to make your values in the best interests of all Canadians during this time
Make sure they are relevant and use the knowledge you have about this time period to guide you in creating your values
Refer to the handout for more guidelines