Upper Class
Class Distinction
The upper class consisted of the gentry; belonging to the aristocracy, and landowners defined by their education and pastimes, which included hunting, fishing, and of course horseback riding. Upper class families lands and estates were inherited. They regarded themselves as guardians of their inheritance rather than owners. Their perspective was that they had a responsibility to protect it for future generations. In addition it was customary for the upper class to take interest in philanthropy.
The upper class consisted of the gentry; belonging to the aristocracy, and landowners defined by their education and pastimes, which included hunting, fishing, and of course horseback riding. Upper class families lands and estates were inherited. They regarded themselves as guardians of their inheritance rather than owners. Their perspective was that they had a responsibility to protect it for future generations. In addition it was customary for the upper class to take interest in philanthropy.
Wealth
The upper class included any of those who did not work, income came from inherited land or investments. During the early 19th century the gap between the upper and middle class began to shrink due to the Industrial Age, which allowed middle class business owners to become wealthier through strong business ventures and increasing investment opportunities. Even though the gap was certainly narrowing, the upper class still on average made a considerably high yearly income of 30,000 pounds or more.
Ownership of land was also a strong indicator of wealth in the early 1900s. Upper class citizens most likely owned large estates with a substantial amount of land surrounding these massive homes. Land was generally passed down throughout generations along with the financial wealth of a family.
Power
With wealth being a strong indicator of power, political influence fell mainly in the hands of the upper class. Even with the Industrial Age paving the way for middle class businessmen to become more successful and further expand their wealth, the upper class retain their power throughout history. The social hierarchy in which created the social classes from the beginning was headed by kings and queen who sought out to keep control over those whom which they ruled.
The upper class included any of those who did not work, income came from inherited land or investments. During the early 19th century the gap between the upper and middle class began to shrink due to the Industrial Age, which allowed middle class business owners to become wealthier through strong business ventures and increasing investment opportunities. Even though the gap was certainly narrowing, the upper class still on average made a considerably high yearly income of 30,000 pounds or more.
Ownership of land was also a strong indicator of wealth in the early 1900s. Upper class citizens most likely owned large estates with a substantial amount of land surrounding these massive homes. Land was generally passed down throughout generations along with the financial wealth of a family.
Power
With wealth being a strong indicator of power, political influence fell mainly in the hands of the upper class. Even with the Industrial Age paving the way for middle class businessmen to become more successful and further expand their wealth, the upper class retain their power throughout history. The social hierarchy in which created the social classes from the beginning was headed by kings and queen who sought out to keep control over those whom which they ruled.
Marriage
Marriage amongst classes was very uncommon. The idea was frowned upon by most upper class citizens, as they believed it would lower them and their families social status. Because of this is, it was very uncommon to see an upper class citizen marry outside of their class.
Marriage amongst classes was very uncommon. The idea was frowned upon by most upper class citizens, as they believed it would lower them and their families social status. Because of this is, it was very uncommon to see an upper class citizen marry outside of their class.