I think you are looking at this wrong....
Posted by Clare on October 14, 1997 at 20:43:37:
In response to I'm so ashamed... , written by Rosamunde on October 14, 1997 at 17:06:39
of my ignorance about this, but could someone please answer this question for me. Did the Regency time period happen in America, too? I had only heard of it being in France and England and a post below had seemed to validate this - something about Americans not knowing about it - but the other day I found a picture of a young ladies seminary in a US history text and the clothing is definitely Regency. The credits say the pict is from The Chrysler Museum, Virginia. The only explanation I can come up with, if the Regency period didn't happen in the US, is that maybe its an English painting? Could someone please clarify this. Thanks in advance.
The Regencythat you refer to only happened in England from 1811 to 1820. It refers to the time period when George the Third was considered insane and his oldest son was granted "regent" powers by the english parliament- in other words he became representive of the monarchy rather then his father because his father was not able to handle his responsibility as king.
This was not the first time "regents" had stepped in to rule the country, for instance Henry the eighth's son Edward had a regent because he was considered too young to rule. Also, Richard the Third started out as the regent for his young nephews (the princes in the tower) before being declared king by the parliament.
However, this particular time period from 1811 to 1820 has become known as the Regency period by English historians. Since this is the time period that Jane Austens books were published, we think of them occurring during that time period as well (though some were written before).
As far as America and France- please remember that at the same time as the regency, England was also at war with France (Napoleon) and with America (the war of 1812). America was also expanding westward. I am sure that historians would not consider America and France as being "part of the regency"- but they certainly did exist as countrys during that time period. As a matter of fact, most would consider France as being in the Napoleonic era and America as being in the Expansion era. remember- each country has it's own history and it's own way of looking at things.
All that being said- now I do have to remind you that many times things such as fashion would cross over from one country to another! As a matter of fact, most of the regency fashions in England were actually brought over from what was popular in France at the same time!! (Paris being considered the height of fashion at that time.. and still) And yes, many of those same fashions crossed over to America as well.
Do you understand a little better now???
Clare, who loves history and hopes she explained it properly
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