The Victorian era refers to the period of British history that spanned from 1837 to 1901, during the reign of Queen Victoria. This era is characterized by strict social mores, rapid industrialization, technological advancements, and significant political and social changes. The Victorian era is often associated with a sense of conservative values, gender roles, and a focus on propriety and decorum. This era saw the growth of the middle class, the expansion of the British Empire, and the rise of new technologies such as the telegraph, steam engine, and photography. It is considered a formative period for modern Western culture.