The Romantic Age and the Victorian Period had many similarities, but had as many or more differences. They initially differed in government; the romantic age did not have a king or queen, but did during the victorian period. They were similar and different in writing styles and beliefs. The Industrial Revolution also had a huge effect on both periods. The Romantic period was from 1784 to 1832 and brought a more courageous, individual and imaginative approach to both literature and life. During this period the individual became more important than society. Individualism became the center of the Romantic vision (Pfordresher, 423). The Romantic Age in England was a movement that affected all Western European countries. Romanticism represents an attempt to rediscover the mystery and wonder of the world (Pfordresher, 424). The French Revolution, 1793-1815, gave life and breath to the dreams of many Romantic writers; they wanted freedom and equality for all individuals (Pfordresher, 423). The Industrial Revolution was transforming England from a rural society to a nation of factories (Fuller, 280). England went from an agricultural to an industrial society, just as domestic production was transformed into industrial production. When Napoleon came to power, the people became violent and corrupt, as their former rulers had once been, this was known as the Reign of Terror. "England emerged from the 18th century as a parliamentary state in which the monarchy was largely a leading figure," according to Pfordresher. (Pfordresher, 423). The Victorian period lasted from 1832 to 1901. It marked the culmination of England's rise to economic and military dominance (Pfordresher, 543). The romantic spirit did not disappear, but it was not the primary influence… the medium of paper… produced revolutionary unrest (Fuller, 284). Industry and commerce expanded rapidly, and railroads and canals crisscrossed the country (Merritt, 320). The Romantic Age and the Victorian period had many similarities in the effect of industry on society and poetry. They had many more differences in backgrounds, writing styles, and beliefs than the poets of both times. No matter the time and place, the Romantic Age and the Victorian period had many similarities and differences, as any other time period would have with another corresponding time period. Works Cited Fuller, Edmond. "English Literature". The new book of knowledge. volume 5. Danbury, Connecticut: 1995.Merritt, James Douglas. "English Literature". World book encyclopedia. volume 6. Chicago: 1996. Pfordresher, John. England in literature. Glenview, IL: Scott, Foresman and Company; 1991.