Teaching British history and civilization through films

Optional course

1. THE HISTORY OF EARLY CINEMA

Cinematography is the illusion of movement by the recording and rapid projection of many
still photographic pictures on a screen.

In 1891 Thomas Edison invented a prototype of the Kinetoscope. This enabled one person
at a time to view moving pictures. In 1894 the first Kinetoscope Parlors appeared and
became an immediate sensation. People paid between 5 and 25 cents to to view peep show
snippets.

The first to present projected moving pictures to a paying audience were the Lumière
brothers (Auguste and Louise) in December 1895 in Paris. The first film strip showed
“Workers leaving the Lumiere factory”.

At first, films were very short, sometimes only a few minutes or less. They were shown at
music halls or anywhere with a screen and a dark room. Subjects included local scenes and
activities, views of foreign lands, short comedies and important events.

The films were accompanied by music and a lot of audience participation—although they
did not have a dialogue, they were not ‘silent’ as they are sometimes described.

In 1903 “The Great Train Robbery ¨was released and it was considered to be the world´s
first blockbuster film.

In 1908, David Wark Griffith began making one-reel films and his film adaptation “The
Birth of a Nation” was both important for the art of cinematography and socially
controversial.

COLOUR

Colour was first added to black-and-white movies in 1909. The principles of colour
separation were used to produce so-called ‘natural colour’ moving images with the British
Kinemacolor process.
SOUND

The first feature-length movie incorporating dialogue, The Jazz Singer (USA, 1927), used
the Warner Brothers’ Vitaphone system, which employed a separate record disc with each
reel of film for the sound.

THE GOLDEN AGE

The advent of sound secured the dominant role of the American industry and gave rise to
the ‘Golden Age of Hollywood’ by the early 1930s.

In the 1950s drive-in theatres appeared and showing more daring films.

In the past 20 years, film production has been profoundly altered by the impact of rapidly
improving digital technology.

EXERCISES

After reading/ listening activities

1. Explain the following words. Make sentences using them.

a) snippet

b) film strip

c) blockbuster

d) reel

e) advent

f) daring

g) to alter
2. Answer the following questions:

a) How did the first moving pictures appear?

b) Who were the first to show a film strip?

c) How long were the first films that appeared?

d) What is considered to be the first blockbuster film?

e) When did the first film with sound appear and what was it called?

3. Draw a spidergram showing the History of film making

Teaching British history and civilization through films
Optional course

2. BOUDICA- THE WARRIOR QUEEN

Written by Andrew Davies

Directed by Bill Anderson

Starring Alex Kingston

Steven Waddington
Emily Blunt

Theme music composer Nina Humphreys

Country of origin United Kingdom

Romania

Original language(s) English

Boudica (released in the United States as Warrior Queen) is a British television film

released in 2003. Starring Alex Kingston, Steven Waddington and Emily Blunt, in her film
debut, the film is a biopic of the queen of the Iceni tribe, Boudica.

*A biographical film, or biopic  (abbreviation for biographical motion picture), is a

film that dramatizes the life of a non-fictional or historically-based person or people. Such
films show the life of a historical person and the central character's real name is used.

How much do we really know about her?

We know the story of Boudica mainly from two Roman historians; Tacitus and Dio
Cassius who were not around at the time.The main point of suspicion is her name, which
translates as 'Victory' in ancient Celtic. Another possibility is that she did exist but the
Romans got her name wrong.
 Why do we still remember her?

Firstly, she is a Briton, a Celt, and English historians have a long history of doing
down the Celts. Secondly, she fought against the Romans. In England they “loved” Rome
so much they built an Empire in her image. She became famous, it seems, simply by the
luck that modern historians rediscovered her around the 16th century.

Was she a Queen?   

The Roman historians agree she was royal, but fail to explain why she did not become
leader of the tribe when her husband, King Prasutagus, died. Maybe this was an Iceni
tradition. However, it is very likely that as the wife of a client king she would have been a
Roman Citizen, which may well be the point of Tacitus telling us the story of her flogging
by the Roman Governor Suetonius's men.

Where was her last battle?

Somewhere on A5 between Wales and London is the answer. Tacitus gives us some
geographic clues, but the location is uncertain.

Did she survive her last battle?

Tacitus tells us that, defeated in battle, Boudica commits suicide, thus giving a neat ending
to his story. Cassius Dio meanwhile has Boudica survive only to expire from illness whilst
planning further resistance. Tacitus is usually considered the more reliable source, but the
archaeology seems to support Dio.

Bibliography

https://www.history.org.uk/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boudica_(film)

http://thesnufkin.blogspot.com/2012/07/boudica-questions.html
 After watching activities
1. Write one important line that Boudica says in the opening speech about warriors.
2. Describe Boudica’s family, as depicted in the film.
3. What do the Romans propose in the beginning of the film?
4. Why does Prasutagus take the Roman offer?
5. How does Boudica describe her husband?
6. What is her decision about the Roman offer?
7. Who is Magior?
8. What is Claudius’ attitude towards the Celts?
9. What happens in the scene between Isolda and the Roman soldier?
10. What happens to the Roman emperor? How about Prasutagus?
11. What is Boudica’s attitude after all the abuses on her family?
12. Describe the Queen’s speech before the first battle.
13. What does the director want us to think about Boudica from the scene where she
talks to the troops?
14. What is the Roman general’s attitude towards Boudica?
15. How does the final battle end?

Writing task
Describe Boudica in a composition with the title “The Warrior Queen”.
Teaching British history and civilization through films
Optional course
THE DARK AGES OF BRITAIN
The Saxon Chronicles (2006)
Vikings, History Channel series (2013)
The Last Kingdom (2015)

During this period Britain was divided

into Northumbria, Mercia, East Anglia and
Wessex.

When the Roman legions finally

withdrew, the Britons were at danger again.
This time the raiders were Angles, Saxons
and Jutes. Around 450 AD, attacked on all
sides, the Britons did their best to resist, but
the Germanic tribes took control of most of
Britain.

When the Anglo-Saxons came to Britain, the Christian faith had almost disappeared
from the land. For centuries the newcomers continued to live in their old pagan ways.
Gradually they become unhappy with their gods and turned to Christianity.

The Vikings

Chronicles mention that in 793 AD Norsemen

migrated from Norway, Sweden and Denmark in
their long open boats painted in bright colours,
with strange stripped sails. They were described
as “seafarers in search of adventure” and started
invading Northumbria in their attempt to
settle.The Saxon kingdoms, still fighting were
unable to unite against the Vikings. By 871
AD the only land that wasn’t conquered by them remained Wessex, ruled by King Alfred.
 Little by little, Alfred’s successors to the throne managed to take back Mercia and East
Anglia and Northumbria, uniting them under one ruler.

Alfred the Great - Why is he famous?

He successfully defended his kingdom, Wessex, against the Vikings. He also introduced a

series of reforms including defence measures and reform of the law. He was a keen
champion of education and translated important texts from Latin into English. Known as a
just and fair ruler, Alfred is the only English King to have earned the title ‘the Great’.

Did you know?

 Alfred was the first English king to write books.

 He was illiterate (couldn’t read or write) until he was 12.
 Alfred instructed Bishop Asser to write his biography. The writing of the Anglo-Saxon
Chronicles started during his reign.
 There are many legends about King Alfred. The most famous recounts that when he
was hiding from the Vikings in the Somerset Levels an old woman asked Alfred to
watch her cakes baking but he was distracted and the cakes got burned. The old woman,
who did not recognise Alfred as the king, scolded him for his carelessness!

Top 10 facts on King Alfred the Great

1. Alfred was born in 849 at the royal palace in Wantage. He became king in 871 and died
in 899.
2. He had four older brothers who all ruled as king before he did.
3. As a boy of four he accompanied his father Aethelwulf on a pilgrimage to Rome.
4. By 870 Northumberland, East Anglia and Mercia have all fallen to the Vikings. Wessex
was the only Anglo-Saxon kingdom to hold out against the Vikings.
5. In 870 Alfred and his brother Aethelred fought nine battles against the Vikings.
6. In 879 Alfred won a decisive victory against the Vikings at Edington.
7. After defeating Guthrum the Dane, Alfred made him convert to Christianity and then
adopted Guthrum as his foster son.
8. In 886 he recaptured London and set about renovating the city.
9. Alfred's fortified towns or burhs formed the basis of the English system of boroughs and
shires.
10. Alfred believed that all free born English boys should receive an education and he set up
a school at his court to educate his sons, as well as those of the nobles and others of lesser
birth.

Bibliography

https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/articles/z9tdq6f

https://www.theschoolrun.com/homework-help/alfred-the-great

http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/hampshire/hi/people_and_places/history/
newsid_8672000/8672569.stm
Teaching British history and civilization through films
Optional course
THE MIDDLE AGES

1066: The Battle for Middle Earth (2009)

1066: The Battle for Middle Earth is a two-part British Genre Historical Drama
television series. In this mix of historical drama and
Written by Peter Harness
original source material, the story of this decisive year of
the Norman conquest of England is re-imagined through Directed by Justin Hardy

the eyes of ordinary people caught up in its events. The

series focuses on the Sussex village Country of origin United
Kingdom
of Crowhurst. Located between the coast and Hastings.
Original language English

Back to Alfred the Great…

Edward the Confessor was the successor of Alfred. He died without a son. On his
deathbed Edward instructed that Harold should succeed him. However, Edward was half-
Norman and his Norman nephew William had also been the designated heir at one time.
William was furious and prepared to invade from France! Here’s one good reason to start a
war!

In september 1066 Harold concentrated his army and fleet in order to defend his
country from the raids of the Viking king of Norway who also prepared to attack England.
In this way Harold’s soldiers became exhausted with battle and were not able to carry on
another successful fight.

The Normans
 As a result, the power of the Anglo-Saxon was broken in AD 1066 by the Normans.
The Normans came originally from Denmark, but after they settled on the French coast
they adopted French customs and a dialect of the French language.

The Norman king William I (William the Conqueror) defeated the last Anglo-Saxon
king, Harold II at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 and took control of southern England.

How it all happened…

On October 14th 1066 Harold’s English army, without archers and cavalry, prepared for
defense on the protected summit of the hill. Their position was not too favourable;
William’s advance was unexpected. As the battle unfolded, Harold appeared to be winning
until William’s army pretended to retreat and Saxon soldiers charged after them which
broke the line. Harrold was killed. On the famous Bayeux Tapestry some say he is shown
with an arrow in the eye, while others believe he is the one being trampled by a horse.
Historians are still thinking about it…

The Norman invasion was the last in British history, but it was by far the most
significant.

Scene from the Bayeux Tapestry

Why is the Norman Conquest so important?

The Norman Conquest changed a lot of things about the language and culture of Britain
and some of the effects can still be felt today.

4 INTERESTING facts about the Battle of Hastings

1. The Battle of Hastings didn’t take place in Hastings. It took place in a field seven miles
from Hastings, which is now the appropriately named village of Battle.

2. The battle took place over one day. The battle was fought and won in a day, starting
around 9am and ending  at dusk, which would have been round 5pm, and took place on a
Saturday.

3.  The Normans won by pretending to be scared. The Normans used a well-known
ancient tactic called “feigned flight” which involved them pretending to run away. It
tricked the English troops into breaking formation, opening themselves up to attack.

4. It’s not even a tapestry. The 230ft (1 foot=30.48cm) long Bayeux Tapestry telling the
story of the battle is actually an embroidered cloth. Tapestries are woven not embroidered.
It was commissioned by Odo, Bishop of Bayeux and Earl of Kent who was the half-brother
of William the Conqueror.

◎ BRITAIN 1066-1485

After the Battle of Hastings the Normans took control of the whole of England, but
they had to deal with threats from two sources: their fellow countrymen in France and their
rebellious Scots, Irish and Welsh neighbors.

●1337 - The Hundred Years’ War: At the beginning of the Middle Ages England and
France were almost one country. However, after a number of wars, England separated from
France. By 1453 the port of Calais was the only possession England had in France.

The social order: English society adopted the feudal system where there was a clear
distinction between social classes. The most powerful individual in the country was the
king. Barons and lords were members of the aristocracy and were given lands. They had
absolute power in their territories. Knights, merchants and yeomen made up the middle
classes. The majority of the population were villains or serfs, who were given a small piece
of land to work by a lord, but they did not own it. In return they had to give most of what
they produced to their lord. One tenth of the population were slaves.
 ●1086 - Domesday Book. This was the first census in the English history, during the
reign of King William I. In this way the king knew all the names of the landowners and
how much land they owned.

●1215 - The Magna Carta. By this document the aristocracy requested to have a say in
the government of the country.

●1349 - The Council of Commoners: Although the nobles paid taxes, those were not
enough. The middle classes contributed as well. In order to agree to pay taxes, they asked
to be consulted by the king when important decisions had to be made. From this situation,
the power of the king started to become fragile. England became the first country in the
world were the principle that the representatives of the people had a right to participate in
government was accepted.

● The War of Roses - This conflict started between two dynasties that disputed the
throne: the House of York (symbol - white rose) and the House of Lancaster (symbol- red
rose). The House of York eventually won a decisive victory and secured the throne.

Bibliography:

www.britannica.com

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/handsonhistory/normans.shtml

http://www.discoverbritainmag.com

Delaney, Denis, Ward, Ciaran, Rho Fiorina, Carla - Fields of Vision, Longman
Printing House
Teaching British history and civilization through films
Optional course

THE RENAISSANCE
Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007, USA)

Director: Shekhar Kapur

Principal cast: Cate Blanchett, Clive Owen, and Geoffrey Rush

Summary of the film

A biographical drama film, this is the story of one woman’s crusade to control love, crush
enemies and secure her position as a beloved icon of the western world. Determined to
restore England to Roman Catholicism, Spain's King Philip II dispatches his Armada.
Sworn to her country body and soul, Elizabeth must resist her love for charismatic explorer
Sir Walter Raleigh and watch as he and her handmaiden grow closer.As Elizabeth’s cousin,
Mary Stuart, conspires with Philip of Spain to get the throne, Elizabeth’s trusty
advisor,Walsingham, works to protect her from the many plots and conspiracies against
her.

Historical background

THE TUDOR DINASTY. In the 15 th -16th century the kings and queens of England all
descended from a Welsh nobleman, Owen Tudor. Three great leaders marked the history
on England in this period:
Henry VII (1485-1509), Henry VIII (1509-1547) and Elizabeth I (1558-1603).

15th – 16th century: a turbulent period in English history. People loved Henry VII and the
monarchy. He ruled England for 20 years.

Henry VIII follows his father to the throne. He builds a new powerful aristocracy with
middle class nobles. During this time England becomes a great maritime power. King
Henry VIII becomes famous for breaking away from the Catholic Church and Rome. He
forms the Church of England (PROTESTANT or ANGLICAN Church). By the Act of
Supremacy (1534) Henry VIII becomes the leader of the Church of England.

Elizabeth I, the daughter of Henry VIII, follows her half-sister (Mary Tudor) to the throne,
as the Queen of England. She was called the Virgin Queen- she never married, nor have
children. This gave the name of one of the original 13 American colonies, Virginia.
Elizabeth I was one of the most successful monarchs in history and her reign was a time of
great prosperity. Elizabeth encouraged exploration of and trade with other continents which
would lead later to the creation of the British Empire. At this time England was threatened
by the superpowers of the age – France and Spain. From 1584 almost to the end of
Elizabeth’s reign, England and Spain fought a war for the control of the seas.

Sir Francis Drake, commander of the English fleet, became a national hero after he took
part in the battles that resulted in the destruction of the Spanish Armada in 1588. Military
success meant that the road was clear for English entrepreneurs to establish colonies
and open up new horizons for trade. Sir Walter Raleigh was one of those pioneers. He
helped establish the colony in Virginia, North America and brought back potatoes and
tobacco to Europe.

When Elizabeth died, in 1603, she left behind a prosperous and progressive country that
gained the respect on the world stage.

After watching activities

 I. Complete the sentences with the words from the list: reign; fleet; brave;
Protestant
1. The Spanish …………………….was named the Armada.
2. During the reign of Henry VIII the English people became……………
3. Elizabeth I became a ……………….and strong queen.
4. Henry VIII broke away with the Roman Catholic Church during his…………….

II. Choose the correct answer:

1. Henry the VIII became famous for:

a) breaking with the Church of Rome b) playing the harp c)being a king

2. Elizabeth I was the daughter of:

a)Mary Tudor b) Henry VIII c) Henry VII

3. The commander of the English fleet was:

a) Henry VIII b) Sir Francis Drake c) Francis

Bacon

4.During the Elizabethan Age religion changed to:

a) Protestant b) Puritan c) Catholic

III. Are the following statements True or False?

1. The Queen is attacked and shot to death.

2. Elizabeth wants Mary Stuart to be executed.

3. The Spanish king says “Elizabeth is the light, I am the darkness”.

4. In the Queen’s speech to her army, she tells the soldiers she’s decided to fight to
death with them.

IV. Match the names with the phrases:

1. Elizabeth a. is the Queen’s favourite maid

2. Bess b. is Elizabeth’s cousin

3. Sir Walter Raleigh c. loves the sea and the adventure

4. Sir Walsingham d. is Elizabeth’s main adviser

5. Mary Stuart e. wants England to be Catholic

6. Philip of Spain f. doesn’t want a husband

V. Answer the following questions:

1. Which country in Europe is the most powerful at the beginning of the film, in 1585?

2. Who did the Spanish want as the Queen of England?

3. How many men are with the coming of the Spanish Armada?

4. What religion is Spain? What about England?

5. What attitude does Queen Elizabeth have towards the different religions in England?

6. Who was Sir Walter Raleigh and why does the Queen become so interested in him?

7. What did the Spanish call Sir Walter Raleigh when he entered the Queen’s court?

8. Who is Mary and what is she tried for (accused of)?

9. Why does the Pope go against the Queen of England?

10. What happens to the invincible Spanish Armada?

VI. Design a project (15-20 lines in writing or max. 10 slides in PPT). Choose one
of the following topics:

1. A brief biography of Elizabeth I.

2. The birth of the Protestant Church.

Teaching British history and civilization through films
Optional course

THE PURITAN, RESTORATION AND AUGUSTAN AGES

To Kill a King (2003)

Directed by: Mike Barker

Cast: Tim Roth (Cromwell), Rupert Everett (King Charles) and Dougray Scott (Fairfax)

This is an English Civil War film directed that centres on the relationship between Oliver
Cromwell and general Thomas Fairfax in the post-war period from 1648 until the former's
death, in 1658.
Historical Background

Elizabeth I, the last of the Tudor monarchs, died in 1603 and the thrones of England and
Ireland passed to her cousin, James Stuart.

Charles I (1625-1649), James’ son, was a conscientious and principled ruler, but he was
also stubborn. He believed in The Divine Right of Kings to rule and he would answer to
God for his deeds. Charles dissolved the Parliament and ruled like this for 11 years.

Religion

England, Scotland and Ireland were very different countries, with very different histories
and religious beliefs: most Scots were Calvinists, most English were Protestants and most
Irish remained Catholic. Another group appeared - Puritans, who thought that the Church
of England was still too close to the Roman Church. They had very strict moral principles
and believed that salvation meant a life of hard work and absence of entertainment. These
religious differences had an enormous influence on 17th century England.

The Civil War

In this context, when Charles was forced to reopen the Parliament to ask for money to
finance a war with Scotland, the Puritans from the Parliament (House of Commons)
refused to help him and so a Civil War (1942-1949) started between the King and a
Puritan Army led by Oliver Cromwell. In this war the Puritans were called “Roundheads”
(very short hair) and the supporters of Charles were called “Cavaliers”. The war ended with
the Puritan’s victory and Charles was executed.

The Republic (1649-1660)

Cromwell founded a Republic also known as the Commonwealth. He managed to stop
rebellions in Ireland and Scotland and defeated Spain and Holland. In 1660, the
Commonwealth fell into decline and collapsed.

The Restauration

After 20 years, the English were happy to welcome back the monarchy. Charles II, who
had lived in exile, in France, became king and maintained a peaceful balance of power.
When his successor, James II, came to the throne conflict arose again, because he was a
Catholic and wanted to establish Catholicism again. Protestant leaders appointed William
III as their leader and he forced James to leave the country. William’s victory became
known as the Glorious Revolution because he was the first monarch to recognise the
rights of the Parliament.

Everyday life

Free time - During the Puritan period all forms of entertainment were banned and all the
theatres closed. During The Restoration people started having fun and London became a
theatrical centre, while sports of various kinds were played, including fox hunting and
rudimentary football.

London - continued to be the main social, political and economic centre. There were two
main events that affected London in this period: the plague in 1665 and the Great Fire of
1666 that decimated the population and destroyed most of the buildings. Gradually the city
recovered and economic prosperity characterized this period.

TASKS

1. The 17th century was an age of conflict. Match the opponents in columns A and B.
A. Anglican protestants B. James II
Kings Roundheads
Cavaliers Catholics
 Oliver Cromwell Parliament
William III Charles I

2. Here are definitions of some important words from our lesson. Identify and write the
words.
A. Religious groups that distanced themselves radically from the Church of Rome. ……….
B. Principle saying that the monarch only answers to God. …………………………………
C. Republic founded by Cromwell. …………………………………………………………
D. Return of the monarchy. …………………………………………………………………
E. Conflict with little bloodshed. ………………………………………………………….
F. Document limiting the monarch’s powers. ……………………………………………..

3. Write sentences about 17th century England.

This was the century when……………………………………………………………………

This was a time when…………………………………………………………………………
From an economic point of view……………………………………………………………..
From a religious point of view………………………………………………………………..
From a political point of view………………………………………………………………...
Despite wars, conflicts, disease and even a Great Fire, ……………………………………...
….……………………………………………………………………………………………..

4. Prepare a short talk on the historical background of England in the 17th century. Choose
from the next topics:
A. Religion
B. King vs. Parliament
C. The Restoration
D. Everyday life
Teaching British history and civilization through films
Optional course
THE AGE OF REASON

THE MADNESS OF KING GEORGE (1994)

Directed by: Nicholas Hytner

Produced by: Stephen Evans, David Parfit

The Madness of King George is a 1994 British biographical historical comedy-drama film.

It tells the true story of George III of Great Britain's deteriorating mental health, and his
declining relationship with his eldest son, the Prince of Wales.  Modern medicine has
suggested that the King's symptoms were the result of acute intermittent porphyria (a rare
disease in which there is abnormal metabolism of haemoglobin. Porphyrins are excreted in
the urine, which becomes dark; other symptoms include mental disturbances and extreme
sensitivity of the skin to light).

In 1999, the British Film Institute voted The Madness of King George the 42nd greatest

British film of all time.

Historical facts

King George III (1738-1820) of Great Britain was a monarch of the Hanover dynasty.
George was 12 when his father died and left him heir to the throne. Known as Mad King
George, he ruled the British Empire during the French and Indian War (also called the
Seven Years' War) and the American Revolution, and at the time of the 1800 Acts of Union
(the union of Great Britain and Ireland which resulted in the United Kingdom). His reign
was a key moment in the British shift of power from the monarchy to an elected
Parliament.

Personal Life

George III was unusual among English kings of the time by having actually been born in
England! He had fifteen children with his wife, Charlotte of Mechlenburg-Strelitz, making
sure that his royal line would continue. Yet all was not well with this large family, as the
King disapproved of many of the royal marriages. This disapproval resulted in the Royal
Marriages Act of 1772, which decreed that any member of the royal family would need the
Crown's approval to marry.

In addition to this, King George III wanted to promote the arts of design in Britain through
education and exhibition, so in 1768 he founded The Royal Academy of Arts.

George III and the American Revolution

The United States of America used to be a colony of Great Britain. That meant Great
Britain was the boss and Americans had to do everything the British king and Parliament
said. That started making Americans angry when the British government started raising
taxes. While George III was king, Great Britain raised taxes on popular items like tea and
sugar. This and some other issues bothered the Americans so much that in 1776, they said
they didn't want to be a colony any longer.
The Declaration of Independence

In 1776, the Americans published the Declaration of Independence saying that from now

on they were going to be an independent country, not a colony. In the Declaration of
Independence, they said that George III had treated the colonies badly, especially by raising
taxes. They accused him of being a tyrant, a bad king who rules by force. 

Economic Difficulties and the American Revolution

From his succession in 1760, George III found himself in the tense position of presiding
over a state with an increasingly desperate need for funds. The British Empire was a
powerful force in the 18th century, leading the way in the Age of Empire. The continuous
wars, the financial necessities of maintaining the biggest naval force in the world, and
monetary support for the failing East India Company took their toll.

The American Revolution was a costly conflict, but still the war continued through 1781
partly because George III wanted to use America as an example against revolt in Britain's
other colonies. The war ended in a victory for the former colonies. Still, this loss to the
newly formed United States did not fatally hit the British monarchy.

End of His Life

The reign of King George III saw the Acts of Union merge Ireland with Great Britain, in
1801. Great Britain already consisted of England (with Wales) and Scotland; this new
union formed the United Kingdom.

After watching activities

1. QUIZ
1) When did George III become the king of UK?
a) 1603
b) 1701
c) 1740
d) 1760
2) To which dynasty did George III belong?
a) Lancastrian
b) Hanoverian
c) Tudor
d) Stuart
3) How many children did George III have?
a) 11
b) 14
c) 15
d) 17
4) Which revolution took place during the time of George III?
a) French Revolution
b) Russian Revolution
c) Cuban Revolution
d) Chinese Revolution
5) Which academy was founded by George III in 1768?
a) Academy of Motion Picture Science and Art
b) Royal Academy of Arts
c) Science Academy
d) Music Academy
6) Which Act was passed at the insistence of George III?
a) Salt Act
b) Royal Marriages Act
c) Stamp Act
d) Emancipation Act
7) Which important event took place on 4 July 1776?
a) Battle of Waterloo
b) Declaration of American Independence
c) Battle of Trafalgar
d) British explorers reached South Pole
8) Which title was given up by George III in 1801?
a) King of France
b) Baron of Snowdon
c) Marquess of Ely
d) Earl of Chester
2. George, it’s over! – Declaration of Independence Break Up Letter

To show you understand why the colonists wanted to break up with King George III, you
will create a break up letter yourself…but with a twist. Because no one really writes letters
anymore, you will write a series of text messages between you and the King to explain why
you want to break up using all the nitty-gritty details that we’ve studied in class so far.
You may start like this:

COLONISTS: “George, we really need to talk. Things just aren’t working out. We just
can’t take it anymore. It’s over! Don’t call or text me anymore! It’s over!”
KING GEORGE III: “What do you mean it’s over? I know we had some rough times
recently but I thought things were getting better. Why do you want to break up?

COLONISTS: Really? You didn’t see this coming? Here’s just a short list of the things I
can’t stand about our relationship anymore. Don’t get mad either …remember, you asked
for it! For starters…

1. “He has deprived us in many cases of the benefits of Trial by Jury.”

2. “He has kept among us in times of peace, Standing Armies without the consent of
our legislatures.”

3. “He has cut off Trade with all parts of the world.”

4. “He imposed taxes on us without our consent.”

5. “For suspending our own legislatures and declaring themselves invested with the
power to legislate for us an all cases whatsoever.”
 6. “In every stage of these oppressions, we have petitioned for redress in the most
humble terms: our repeated petitions have been answered only by repeated injury.”

Teaching British history and civilization through films

Optional course

THE VICTORIAN AGE

THE YOUNG VICTORIA (2009)

Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes wrote the script for this 2009 movie and tried to
make the film as historically accurate as possible.
The Young Victoria brings to life the early years and reign of Queen Victoria and her
marriage to Prince Albert.

The Daily Telegraph‘s review praised a “production of the highest calibre with an
impeccable cast” and Empirefound the film to be an “elegant, entertaining, informative
picture with a gallery of vivid supporting turns.”

Historical background

Victorian Britain

The Victorian age is the name given to the time of Queen Victoria’s reign. It spanned most
of the 19th century and was a time of great change in Britain. The Victorian Era saw Britain
become the world’s first industrial power, producing much of the world’s coal, iron steel
and textiles. This encouraged the growth of cities as people travelled to find work in these
industries. At the start of Victoria’s reign, most people lived in the countryside. By the time
she died, in 1901, more than three quarters of the population lived in large towns and cities.
At the same time, the population more than doubled from 16 million to 37 million, which
resulted in a huge increase in poverty. The values of society in Britain were also changing
at this time. Home and family life were central to Victorian society, and wealthier
Victorians became increasingly concerned about social issues. This led to many social
reforms being introduced during this period.

Main events: 1837 – 1901

1837 – Victoria became Queen; the running of the country was left to the Parliament

1838 – The People’s Charter: the vote for all men was requested

1840 – Postal service introduced

1845 – Famine in Ireland

1851 – The Great Exhibition: the industrial and artistic achievements of the nation were put
on display for the world to admire.

1869 – Trades Union Congress set up: acted as support to defend worker’s rights

1870 – Working day limited to ten hours

Compulsory education up to thirteen years of age

1876 – Queen Victoria crowned Empress of India

1880-1900 – New colonies in Asia and Africa

1893 – Independent Labour Party Founded

Gladstone’s Second Home Rule Bill defeated

Queen Victoria

Born on May 24, 1819, at Kensington Palace, Victoria was the only daughter of Edward,
Duke of Kent, fourth son of George III. She became the heir to the throne after the death of
her father because her uncles, George IV, Frederick Duke of York, and William IV had no
legitimate children who survived to be in the line of succession.

At the age of 11, her father King George died and his uncle William IV ascended the
throne. After two years, Victoria experienced her first journey – a three-month tour to
Wales.

Young Victoria showed interests in drawing and painting, as well as writing in her journal.
Despite being fifth in line at the time of her birth, Victoria became the Queen at the age of
18 after the death of her uncle King William IV in 1837.

Queen Victoria was the second longest reigning monarch in British history, next to the
current Sovereign Queen Elizabeth II. From 1837 until her death in 1901, Victoria ruled
one of the largest empires in world history as the queen of Great Britain and Ireland, and
Empress of India (1876-1901).
The last of the Hanover dynasty, her reign became known as the Victorian Era, a period in
British history associated with economic progress, industrial development, and imperial
expansion.

In 1840, she married Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha and had nine children who all
descended many of the royal families of Europe.

Aside from the seven attempts made on her life, Queen Victoria darkest years came when
her devoted husband, Prince Albert, died in 1861.

Known as the grandmother of Europe, Queen Victoria’s 42 grandchildren could be found

in the royal families of Russia, Germany, Romania, Sweden, Norway, and Spain. Royals
Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, tsarina Alexandra of Russia, and George V of Britain
warring during WWI were all grandchildren of Queen Victoria.

Pre-watching activity

1. Synopsis. Fill in the blanks with the following words: ambitious, submissive,
chronicles, tensions, exposes, throne

“The Young Victoria” ……………….. the early and often turbulent years, of a
young girl who becomes queen of Great Britain. On the eve of her 18th birthday, Victoria
is caught in a royal power struggle. Her uncle, King William, is dying and Victoria is in
line for the ……….... Everyone is vying to win her favor. However, Victoria is kept from
the court by her overbearing mother, The Duchess of Kent, and her …………. advisor,
Conroy. Victoria hates them both. Her only friend is her doting governess, Lehzen, but she
is smothering and over-protective. Victoria marries Albert, the nephew of her Uncle, King
Leopold of Belgium. However, her blossoming love affair with Albert will determine the
strength of her reign. Soon, ……………. between Albert and Victoria start to emerge. She
wants a …………… and yielding lover, not a controlling husband. Can she dedicate her
life to her country and her heart to the one man she truly loves? The Young Victoria
………….. the passion and romance behind one of history’s greatest love stories.

Post-watching activities

2. Answer the following question.

a. What impression do you get from the film about Victoria’s childhood?
 b. What is Victoria’s relationship with her mother like?
c. When Victoria is drawing Albert, what idea does he suggest to her?
d. What news does Sir John Conroy receive about the Coronation of Victoria that
makes him very unhappy?
e. Why does Victoria shout at Albert?
f. How does Albert get shot?
g. How does Victoria show that she wants to share her work with Albert?
h. How did Prince Albert eventually die? What did the pair accomplish before his
death?

Victorian timeline

3. Create a timeline of events during the Victorian era which you find important in the
course of the English Monarchy.

Victoria Day

4. Victoria Day is celebrated in Canada in honour of Great Britain´s Queen Victoria.

Can you write a short biographical narrative about her? Follow the next guidelines:
▪ PERSONAL LIFE AND ASCENSION TO THE THRONE
▪ ACHIEVEMENTS AS QUEEN

Vocabulary in Use

5. Learn at least 5 words/phrases from the text given in exercise 1 (look at the
underlined ones). Go to online dictionaries (e.g.
http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/; http://dictionary.cambridge.org/;
http://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary) to see example sentences. Then, write your
own sentences below.
Sources:

https://kidskonnect.com/social-studies/victoria-day/">Victoria Day Facts & Worksheets:

https://kidskonnect.com</a> - KidsKonnect, May 15, 2019

https://www.dkfindout.com/us/history/victorian-britain/, May 15, 2019