Glossary

  SQUIFFY
A slang word meaning “drunk.” Other synonyms include “loaded,” “plastered,” “sloshed,” “soused,” and “tipsy.”
KAISER
The official title of the German Ruler, equal in status to the English King and the Russian Tsar. Kaiser Wilhelm II, who ruled Germany in 1912, was the last German leader to use that title.
GEORGE BERNARD SHAW
(1856-1950) An Irish playwright and theater critic, Shaw was also a leading spokesman for socialism. He was well known as an advocate for women’s rights and the equality of income.
H.G. WELLS
(1866-1946) A popular English novelist famous for his writings in science fiction. Wells’ first novel, The Time Machine (1895), poked fun at the class division in English society. Like Shaw, Wells was also a proponent of socialism.
LORD MAYOR
The title given to the mayor of a large city. The Mayor was appointed by the town council from among the council members. The Mayor automatically became the chairman of the council meeting, and was given the ceremonial title of ‘first citizen’.
MAGISTRATE
Also known as a Justice of the Peace, a magistrate acted as a judge for the prosecution of minor offences.
SOCIALIST
A political ideology that first became popular in the late 19th and early 20th century. Although there are many different branches of socialism they all share a common belief in an egalitarian society with an economy that    benefits all people rather than just a few.
EGALITARIAN
The moral theory that equality ought to prevail throughout society.                                                         
LABORIOUS
Hard-working, tough, diligent, and difficult.
VICTORIAN ERA
From 1837-1901 during the reign of Queen Victoria. This era was marked by the industrial revolution and the rise of the British Empire.
EDWARDIAN ERA
1901 to 1910 during the reign of King Edward. This era was marked by a rigid class system and a growing appreciation for art.
LEFT-WING POLITICS
On the political spectrum it coincides with socialism, liberalism and in extreme cases communism. Left-wing politicians fight for equality, civil rights, and labor rights.
CONSERVATIVE PARTY
The right wing of the political spectrum. Conservatives tend to be opposed to fast moving change and prefer slow moving change over a long period of time. They defend capitalism, traditional values, and preservation of wealth and power.
LIBERAL PARTY
They advocate for human rights and civil liberties and sometimes for the redistribution of wealth; taking the wealth from the rich and giving it to the poor.
TSAR
A male emperor or ruler. Term primarily used in Russia.
LIBERALISM
A political theory believing in political and civil liberties along with the innate goodness of all human beings.
ALDERMAN
A member of the town council. Each alderman represented a city district.