In America, Victorianism expressed itself in many ways. America adopted Victorian fashions and architecture. American rules of proper etiquette much resembled the rules across the pond - with notable exceptions with respect to persons of rank and title. British styles were closely followed in America; I have often found articles on embroidery and craft projects from British magazines copied, a year or two later, in American publications (usually with no attribution to the original author or magazine).

Yet despite their similarities, Americans and "Englishmen" perceived a vast host of differences between their two cultures. Hence, some of the most interesting articles about America are found in British publications, observations of American culture through the outsiders' eyes. British writers often noticed things about American life and culture that American writers would never have observed, or paid attention to, themselves. Of course, such visitors also often expected to find areas like Texas fraught with blazing gunbattles and savage raids, and were a bit disappointed to find that Western cities were little different from cities of the East. Brits were also baffled by the attitude found in Americans of every class and economic group: "I'm just as good as you are!" And then, of course, there's that not-quite-shared language...

Within America, the defining event of the 19th century was, of course, the Civil War. That deserves its own section - a section packed with articles not readily available elsewhere online - and you'll find it here!

Life in Victorian America Personal Glimpses & First-hand Accounts Town & City Life Rural & Country Life Women's Life in Victorian America Ethnic Groups in Victorian America Outdoor Sports & Recreation Fairs, Festivals, Celebrations & Expos The 1893 Chicago World's Fair American Cookery Transportation Oddities, Curiosities & Sensations Poverty in America Slang and "Americanisms" An American Miscellany Law & Government in Victorian America The American Government Government Offices & Agencies Political Issues, Topics & Controversies Politics & Politicking Copyright Law & Controversies The Military & Military Life Business, Economics, & Education American Businesses & Industries American Agriculture The Labor Movement Children's Education Higher Education Museums, Libraries & Art Galleries Victorian Articles on American History Colonial & Pioneer Days Historic Events of the 19th Century The First Century of the Republic American Military History

States, Regions & Territories Regional Life and Cross-Country Travels America State by State States with broader coverage: • Alaska • California • California History • Louisiana • Massachusetts • New York State • New York City Life • New York City Sites & Buildings • New York History • Pennsylvania • Washington DC Territories & Protectorates (Cuba, Porto Rico, Samoa, Philippines) Native Americans in Victorian America Alaska, Canada & Pacific Northwest The Southwest & Mexico Other Tribes & Regions; The Omaha Government Policies, Missions & Battles See also... The Civil War History: Making Headlines Social Issues, Causes & Reforms for information on crime, tramps, temperance and more People: American Presidents People: American Political Figures People: Historic Leaders & Statesmen