Queen Victoria
Great Britain expanded in nearly every way during Queen Victoria's 64 years and seven months on the throne. It is her name with which we now associate the country's 19th century cultural, social, economic, political, scientific, industrial, technological, military and colonial dominance. During the Victorian Era, the United Kingdom saw its power and influence spread to the far reaches of the Earth, including to its colonial-crown jewel, India (which gave the queen an additional title — the Empress of India). Though her power faded as Britain increasingly shifted power to elected officials, the Queen's influence in society remained high. Today she is remembered most as the embodiment of an era of strict standards, rigid morals and prudishness.