Welcome to the second edition of our school’s history magazine. This time around we are lucky to have contributions from students across the school who have written incredible articles about the areas of history that interest them.
Hopefully, you will also find an article that gets you thinking and starts an interest in something new.
Enjoy reading!
Articles:
• Law and order during the reigns of Henry VII and Henry VIII
• Queen Victoria: A reign of change
• Fashion through the ages
• The heroic codebreakers of Bletchley Park
• The horrors of Hiroshima
• The destruction of the Library of Alexandria
• Foot Binding
Law and Order During the reigns of Henry VII and Henry VIII by
Ella Ahmed
The reigns of Henry VII (1485-1509) and Henry VIII (1509-1567) were pivotal in shaping England’s legal and administrative landscape. While both Kings wield absolute power, their approaches to governance and the enforcement of law reveal stark contrasts- shaped by their administrators, political contexts, and the evolving nature of the monarchy in the late medieval and early modern periods.
Henry VII: The Builder of a Stable Monarchy
Henry VII ascended to the throne in 1485 after defeating Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth. As the first monarch of the Tudor dynasty, he faced the task of consolidating his power after decades of vicious change during the War of the Roses His rule, unlike Henry VII, was characterised by shrewd diplomacy, financial acumen, and a heavy reliance on law and order to maintain control
Henry’s primary goal was to strengthen royal authority and stability to prevent any challenges to his throne. He achieved this by utilising law and order not just as a tool of government but as a means of consolidating his power and dynasty. One of the most significant legal reforms was the use of the Star Chamber, a court designed to handle cases of political subversion and suppress any opposition to the monarchy. The court, named after the star-spangled ceiling of the room in which the court was held in Westminster Palace, had existed in some form under previous monarchs but was revived by Henry in 1487, becoming a separate court of law. Henry utilised the court effectively to restrain the power of the nobility, particularly the overmighty subjects who could challenge royal authority due to their wealth.
The Star Chamber
The Star Chamber was notorious for bypassing traditional legal processes, allowing the King to impose judgements on matters of treason, sedition, and corruption Established to prosecute rioting, rebellion and retaining, the court was made up of Privy Counsellors, as well as commonlaw judges. While the Star Chamber was often accused of acting arbitrarily and without due process, it was an effective means of maintaining law and order during a time of political instability.
The Control of Retaining and the Law
Additionally, Henry VII enacted a series of strategic measures to consolidate control over the nobility, notably through the implementation of bonds and recognisances administered by the Council Learned in Law Led by lawyers Richard Empson and Edmund Dudley, the court required nobles to pledge large sums of money to the King to guarantee their loyalty, particularly targeting those with questionable allegiances; this was imperative to Henry’s exertion of control over the nobility. The legal strategy not only served as a deterrent to rebellion but also bolstered the royal treasury, with 36 out of 62 noble families bound under these financial arrangements. Through these financial instruments, Henry effectively controlled the nobility and ensured that even the most powerful families were loyal to the crown. It was a pragmatic and often ruthless approach to governance, but it was undeniably effective.
Henry also utilised Acts of Attainder to punish nobles (through loss of land and titles if convicted of treason), often revoking them if the noble proved his loyalty. A notable case was Thomas Howard Earl of Surrey, who, after being imprisoned and attained for his father’s
allegiance to Richard III, proved his loyalty by subduing the Yorkshire Rebellion in 1489, resulting in his early release. Henry issued 138 of these, but 46 were either wholly or partially revoked.
Henry VII’s efforts also extended to regulating ‘retaining’– the practice of nobles maintaining private armies, which had destabilised royal authority during the War of the Roses By enacting these rigorous laws against retaining, he diminished the military power of the nobility, ensuring that the King alone had a monopoly over military force. This included the Earl of Devon, who in 1494 had to sign a bond for illegally retaining troops and had to pay up when he was found to be breaking this. This comprehensive strategy laid the foundation for a centralised state that would continue to evolve under its successors.
Henry VIII: The King Who Transformed Law and Order
The reign of Henry VIII is best known for the English Reformation, but it also saw significant developments in the area of law and order While Henry VII’s reign was primarily concerned with consolidation and stability, Henry VIII’s reign was marked by an absolutist style of governance His approach to law was both a reflection of his personality and a response to the shifting political and religious landscape of early 16th-century England
The Expansion of Royal Power and Legal Institutions
Henry VIII inherited a strong and centralised monarchy from his father, but he was determined to expand his authority even further and on an international scale. He did so through a combination of legal reform, aggressive use of royal prerogative, and the strategic manipulation of the legal system. One of the most significant changes he implemented was the expansion of the role of the royal courts. The Court of Star Chamber continued to be used as a tool to deal with political problems, but Henry VIII’s courts grew even more influential, particularly in cases involving treason, heresy, and marriage
The most renowned legal action of the whole Tudor dynasty, arguably, was Henry’s break from the Catholic Church The Act of Supremacy (1534) declared him the Supreme Head of the Church of England This was a monumental shift between the intrinsic relationship of religion and legal authority The dissolution of the monasteries, which followed this (and was one of the causes of the Pilgrimage of Grace), was not only a religious revolution but also a legal one. Henry seized the wealth of the monasteries, enacting a series of laws that allowed for the dissolution of monastic properties. This amplified Henry’s power, enhanced the royal treasury, and further concentrated power in the hands of the monarchy. This did, however, enhance the societal turmoil of the time as taxes increased significantly.
Henry VIII’s legal reforms also encompassed his marriages and succession, particularly highlighted by his six marriages and the legal disputes surrounding his divorce from Catherine of Aragon The Act in Restraint of Appeals (1533) was pivotal, prohibiting appeals to the Pope regarding marriage and divorce, thereby positioning the monarchy above ecclesiastical and civil law
Local Issues
In terms of local governance, Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, as Lord Chancellor and chief advisor, was instrumental in maintaining law and order during Henry’s early reign. Often referred to as the ‘Alter-Rex’ (meaning other King in Latin), Wolsey was arguably more involved with law and order in England than Henry. Wolsey utilised the Star Chamber to curtail the power of the nobility by having a sagacious judgement; he ensured swift and impartial justice while
reinforcing the Crown’s authority. As presiding judge in the Court of Chancery, he oversaw over 9,000 cases over 14 years, expanding the court’s accessibility for commoners seeking justice against elites. This not only enhanced royal prestige but also contributed to effectively consolidating Henry’s power and projecting an image of a fair and active monarchy
Legal Mechanisms
While Henry VII relied on legal mechanisms like bonds, recognisances, and the Star Chamber to keep the nobility in check, Henry VIII took a more aggressive approach when it came to suppressing dissent. His paranoia about potential challenges to his authority led him to use the law to execute or imprison anyone deemed a threat. The Treasons Act of 1534 made it a criminal offence to deny the king’s supremacy over the church or to insult his marriage to Anne Boleyn, further cementing Henry’s absolute control over both political and religious life. The consequences of such laws were often brutal, as demonstrated by the execution of Sir Thomas More.
Law and Order under Two Kings
Although both Henry VII and Henry VIII were astute rulers who employed legal frameworks to bolster monarchical authority, their methods and motives differed significantly. Henry VII’s reign was concentrated on stabilising the kingdom in the aftermath of the War of the Roses; his legal reforms were largely aimed at controlling the nobility and preventing rebellion. Conversely, Henry VIII adopted a more assertive and absolutist approach to governance, where colossal changes were enacted within the legal system He utilised law not merely to sustain order but to fundamentally reshape the country’s entire religious and political landscape (crazy, right!) His legal innovations, such as the Act of Supremacy, alongside his ambitions to maintain stability, reflected his belief in the monarchy’s absolute authority
While Henry VII laid the groundwork for a centralised and more orderly governance, Henry VIII catalysed a transformation of the legal framework to reinforce royal supremacy. Both monarchs illustrated the significant role of law as an instrument of maintaining royal power- a legacy that would exert a profound influence on the English monarchy for centuries to come.
Queen Victoria: A Reign of Change-
by Anvee Jain 9F
The British Empire's growth
Queen Victoria, whose real name was Alexandrina Victoria, was born on May 24, 1819, at Kensington Palace in London and reigned from June 20, 1837, until her death on January 22, 1901. Her parents were Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld and Prince Edward, Duke of Kent Her mother supervised her closely (bringing her up to be a future queen) after her father passed away when she was just eight months old. Her 63-year and 216-day reign – also known as the Victorian Era- was one of the longest in British history and was an era of great advancement and change.
The British Empire grew considerably under Queen Victoria's rule, eventually becoming the biggest empire in history. Parts of the British empire included Hong Kong, several Pacific islands, parts of India, and sizable chunks of Africa, including Nigeria and Kenya. Economic interests, strategic considerations, and a sense of patriotism all contributed to this expansion Due to its extensive reach, it was said that "the sun never set on the British Empire."
The Industrial Revolution
Significant economic expansion and technological advancements occurred during the Victorian era. The invention of the steam engine redesigned transportation, paving the way for the growth of railroads and the creation of an international maritime network. Instant
messages could now be exchanged across long distances thanks to the telegraph, which revolutionised communication. These developments made it easier for sectors like steel, coal mining, and textiles to expand, which boosted urbanisation and economic expansion.
Cultural Prosperity
Literature, art, and science all flourished throughout the Victorian era. Writers such as Jane Austen, the Brontë sisters, and Charles Dickens created classic works that encapsulated the details of human character and society Significant scientific advancements were also made during this time, such as Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, which advertised conventional wisdom and established the groundwork for contemporary biology. Life expectancy rose and public health improved because of medical advancements like the creation of vaccines and antiseptics.
Reforms in Society
Several social changes were implemented during Queen Victoria's reign with the goal of bettering many of her subjects A few regulations known as the Factory Acts were enacted to control working conditions in factories, especially for women and children These laws established age restrictions for child labour, restricted working hours, and required safety precautions. All students now have greater access to school thanks to initiatives like the Primary school Act of 1870. Initiatives related to public health, such as the installation of sewage and clean water systems, improved living conditions and slowed the spread of disease.
Great Exhibition of 1851
The Great Exhibition of 1851, which Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, planned, was one of the glories of her reign The Crystal Palace, a huge glass and iron building in London's Hyde Park, served as the venue for the show Attracting millions of tourists, it displayed the wonders of global industry and culture. The Great Exhibition showcased the accomplishments of the Industrial Revolution and the British Empire's worldwide impact.
India's Empress
Queen Victoria's power and the scope of the British Empire were further cemented in 1876, when the British Parliament bestowed upon her the title of Empress of India India's strategic and economic importance to the British Empire was reflected in this title. Queen Victoria's role as Empress of India strengthened ties between Britain and its colonies by serving as a symbol of British power and solidarity
Personal Life and Legacy
On February 10, 1840, Queen Victoria wedded Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, her first cousin. Both personally and politically, their marriage was an important alliance. Due to their nine children and the connections, they made with different European royal houses through their marriages, Victoria was dubbed the "grandmother of Europe." However, when Prince Albert died in 1861, Queen Victoria withdrew from public life and went into a longtime mourning (till she died) as she was deeply saddened Though, after a while, her fame returned, and she had lavished public celebrations for her Golden and Diamond Jubilees
On January 22, 1901, Queen Victoria died at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. Her legacy is vastly significant- most of the Royal families in Europe were now connected to the British Monarchy. Moreover, her reign included the transformation of the British Empire and brought about important social and cultural shifts within Britain. During her reign, Queen Victoria brought about a great deal of advancement, leaving a lasting impression on history and influencing the present world in many ways.
The Fabulous History of Fashion: From Stone Age to Space Age
Have you ever wondered what people wore a hundred years ago? Or maybe even a thousand? Well, now it’s time to buckle up for a trip through the ages of fashion, from cave chic to modern trends.
Fashion Rocks!
In the Stone Age, people wore animal skins and leaves primitive yet practical. They also used natural dyes from plants and minerals for body paint and tribal markings. But dressing up wasn't just for fun; it helped them blend in with their furry friends!
Walk Like an Egyptian…
They wore linen tunics, plenty of gold jewellery and elaborate headdresses very cool and sophisticated! They wore make-up like eyeliner, lipstick, eyeshadow, skin care and nail care. But what were these made of? Some common ingredients were lead and copper, which were both highly poisonous! And it wasn’t just the women who wore make-up, it was the men as well! Did you know that they believed in life after death, so they dressed to impress for eternity?
Toga Party!
The Ancient Greeks wore togas and tunics simple yet elegant. The Greeks also wore make-up (but mostly the women) They used olive oil as moisturizer and white lead powder for that ghostly glow and wore simple gold jewellery with geometric patterns (because maths is fashionable, right?)
Roman Chic:
The Romans also wore togas and tunics. They had red ochre for lips and cheeks, and used chalk for that classy vampire look The Romans also had lots of jewellery They had gold rings, necklaces, and brooches Romans were the original fashion influencers, spreading trends across their empire!
Knightly Fashion:
Knights in medieval times wore chainmail and tunics perfect for battling dragons or just a chilly day They wore limited make-up, just maybe a splash of mud for that au naturel look Knights used brooches and rings with religious symbols because accessorizing is divine Did you know knights had a tough time keeping up with the latest armour trends? This was because it was expensive and time-consuming Armour needed constant updates for better protection and new weapons Plus, knights also wanted stylish designs to show off their wealth and status. It wasn't easy staying trendy on the battlefield!
Rebirth of Style…
In the Renaissance (A period of cultural growth in Europe from the 14th to the 17th century) they wore doublets, (snug jackets) hose (tight trousers), and ruffled collars fancy and frilly! Similar to the others before them, they wore lead-based white face powder and red ochre for cheeks beauty at a price (quite a high one, to be honest) The people of the Renaissance had jewellery of Pearls and gemstones, because who doesn't love a good sparkle?
All Wigged Out!
The Georgians wore powdered wigs, corsets, and petticoats and wore heavy white face powder and rouge for cheeks, like clown school but fancy. The women balanced side hoops that made them as wide as a doorway Later, they switched to dresses that were like nightgowns I can see why, can’t you?
Modesty Rules!
The Victorians wore bustles (a pad or frame worn under a skirt to puff up the back to give dresses more volume and flair and it basically looked like carrying a mini-cushion on your backside) and high-collared dresses modesty overload They wore minimal make-up, focusing on natural beauty no fun allowed and wore cameos and lockets (sentimental bling)
Flapper Fashion:
It’s time for the Roaring Twenties! The people of that time wore flapper dresses (a simple, straight-cut, knee-length dress, often adorned with fringe, beads, or sequins for a touch of flair It's the perfect outfit for dancing and having fun!) and suits. They preferred dark eyes, red lips, and bobbed hair rebel chic. They like to wear long pearl necklaces and bangles more is more.
Fashion Revolution:
In the mid-twentieth century, the fashion was poodle skirts (a knee-length, felt skirt with a poodle design) and bell-bottoms (trousers that get wider from the knees down). Colourful and groovy. It was bold eyeshadows and various hairstyles hair was its own fashion statement. Costume jewellery and charm bracelets were also popular From rock 'n' roll to the moon landing, fashion was out of this world
The Modern Era and Beyond…
Today, fashion is incredibly varied. From designer labels and streetwear to fast fashion, everyone’s style is different and unique. Fashion evolves just as people do. Who knows what we might be wearing in a hundred years? Perhaps clothes will be powered by AI or have built-in computers The future of fashion is a mystery, and we’ll just have to wait and see where it takes us
By Lauren, 7G
The Horrors of Hiroshima
In the early hours of the 6th day of August 1945, a bomb was detonated in a city in Japan called Hiroshima. This bomb was the first ever nuclear weapon deployed in wartime, and it was known as the ‘Little Boy’.
How was the bomb made?
The ‘Little Boy’ was made using Uranium 235 and Plutonium. It was made by scientists at Los Alamos, led by J. Robert Oppenheimer. They worked to turn the materials into a workable atom bomb.
What happened on the day?
The ‘Little Boy’ was dropped by the Enola Gay aircraft at 08:15 Hiroshima time. At least 80,000 people died immediately with multiple people dying later due to the radiation. People on the ground recall a brilliant flash of light followed by a loud booming sound. There was also a huge shock wave which caused people to be blown away and some people were crushed inside the collapsed buildings as well. Another thing people noticed was an ‘intense ball of fire.’ This ball of fire caused many people to have severe burns. The burns account for half of the immediate deaths.
Survivor story
Tsutomu Yamaguchi
– Double Atomic Bomb Survivor
In 1945,
Tsutomu was a naval engineer working for Mitsubishi Heavy industries. It was the last day of his business trip to Hiroshima, and he was about to get back home when the Hiroshima atomic bomb struck. He was burnt but he managed to get home to Nagasaki which was struck by another atomic bomb. Surprisingly, despite the 4-day gap of the bombs he survived and managed to live a long life.
Aftermath
The city of Hiroshima estimates that 200,000 people died because of the bomb. Apart from the people who died or were injured directly by the bomb, future generations were also impacted due to birth defects and cancer diagnoses as a result of the radiation.
By Kyara S
The heroic codebreakers of Bletchley Park
Whenever you think of codebreaking and WW2, the first thing that might pop up into your mind may be Alan Turing, or the Enigma machine. Whilst this was a part of the war, it wasn’t the complete picture. The complete picture was something else of a story It was Bletchley Park
In May 1938, when it was clear war was imminent, Admiral Sir Hugh Sinclair (head of MI6) thought that it would be most appropriate to buy a property to house codebreakers for the war. It cost him £6000, or £484,000 in today’s money He bought it because he saw the many key advantages it had. One, for example, was its proximity to London. Since London was constantly going to be bombed, he needed a safer place up north from London that was slightly further away He also wanted to house many codebreakers, and it was hard for them to get to Bletchley by car. Therefore, another advantage of Bletchley was that it housed one of the best stations and was the start of the Varsity line, which ran through Oxford and Cambridge This was important as the best codebreakers originally were invited from Oxford and Cambridge to join Bletchley Park. Bletchley was run by the GCCS, Government Code and Cypher School At the start of the war, the operational head, Alastair Denniston recruited previous cryptanalysts used in WW1, such as Dilly Knox, John Tiltman and Josh Cooper. Many of the people recruited had a variety of backgrounds, such as linguists, chess champions and even papyrology Personal connections of the GCCS meant that people from Oxford and Cambridge also joined Bletchley Park. In 1941, a new recruiting strategy was proposed, where The Daily Telegraph was asked to make a crossword competition, and promised contestants about “a particular type of work that contributed to the war effort.” Denniston recognised that since the machines were electromechanical, mathematicians would be needed; thus, Alan Turing and Gordon Welchman were recruited These codebreakers had to work extra hard They had a 6- Day work week, rotating through three shifts, 4pm to 12am, 12am to 8am and 8am to 4pm. The irregular hours affected the workers mental health and sleep However, they were given 1 week breaks four times a year. Their work was massively important, as they had to break the German Ciphers, Enigma, which informed them of incoming attacks. However, their code was difficult to decipher, but occasional blunders from the German codebreakers enabled the British to break the Enigma code using a machine called the Bombe made by Alan Turing. Translators deciphered this code into English. This work was really important, as it cut the war short If it weren’t for the amazing codebreakers, the war would have lasted maybe even eight years! Every single member of Bletchley Park had to sign The Official Secrets Act of 1939, which stated that no member of Bletchley Park should repeat anything that went on inside Bletchley Park Later on, Bletchley Park was known as Britain’s “Ultra” Secret Even Churchill referred to them as the “geese that laid the golden eggs and never cackled.”
By Varadha H
The Destruction of the Library of Alexandria The history behind the creation of the Library of Alexandria and whether its destruction was actually a result of a single burning.
By Ilina B
The Library of Alexandria was built by Ptolemy II Philadelphus (see bust) during his reign as the pharaoh of Ptolemaic Egypt (284-246 BCE), after his father, Ptolemy I Soter, most likely established plans for the creation of the Library based upon a suggestion by Demetrius of Phalerum, a statesman (and student of Theophrastus, a student of Aristotle) living in Alexandria within the Ptolemaic court after his exile from Athens. The Library was located in the Royal Quarter of the Mouseion (meaning ‘a shrine to the Muses,’ the nine goddesses who were personifications of the arts and to whom this larger research institution was dedicated) in Alexandria, Egypt, which became the capital of research and information. Interestingly, the aspect of knowledge and learning, which has come to be associated with the Library as its defining feature, was its lesser goal, beneath its purpose of showcasing the wealth and prosperity of Egypt at the time.
The Library of Alexandria contained what historians have estimated as over half a million documents from all over the world, including from Assyria, Persia, India, Greece, and many other countries, equivalent to approximately 100,000 books. Although this can seem negligible from a modern day perspective, especially considering that the Library of Congress (the largest library in the world today in terms of shelf space and number of items) holds around 164 million items and the average collection size across public libraries is around 120,000 items, the Library of Alexandria was one of the largest libraries in the ancient world, representing an archive of significant amounts of ancient wisdom and information. Today, the Library of Alexandria, or rather what came of it, is shrouded in a complex mystery (with even its existence debated due to meagre amounts of historical evidence) and although modern myth states that all of the contents of the Library were destroyed by a fire on a single occasion, this is not the entire truth
In reality, the Library had begun its downfall when Pharaoh Ptolemy VIII Physcon had purged foreign intellectuals and scholars from the city of Alexandria after 145 BCE due to dynastic conflicts, most notably Aristarchus of Samothrace, who was the head librarian, and other important scholars such as Apollodorus of Athens and Dionysius Thrax, who were forced to flee to other cities This provoked the decline of the Library’s influence and importance, which would continue gradually over the next few centuries
Most famously contributing to the decline of the Library of Alexandria was its burning by Julius Caesar in 48/47 BCE. When besieged at the city of Alexandria during his civil war with Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (known in English as Pompey the Great or simply Pompey), Caesar was cut off at the harbour of Alexandria where a large fleet of Egyptian boats (the fleet of Ptolemy XIV) had created a blockade, leading him to order his troops to set fire to the ships in the port, according to some accounts. Although the fleet was successfully destroyed, the flames unfortunately then spread to the city, where they consumed and destroyed parts of the area where the Library of Alexandria stood In reference to the extent of the destruction caused at this burning, accounts differ, with Livy suggesting that 40,000 scrolls were destroyed,
whereas Roman historian Cassius Dio gives a more vague account, stating that “storehouses of grain and books, said to be in great number and of the finest, were burned”. Overall, it is apparent that the Library was not entirely destroyed at this point, and it is possible that if it did not survive, it was rebuilt soon after
The Library of Alexandria further diminished in influence upon Roman control of Alexandria due to a lack of adequate support and funding, with its membership appearing to have ceased by the 260s CE. Thus, Alexandria became increasingly less significant as the capital for knowledge and wisdom and was faced with a Palmyrene invasion and an imperial counterattack that confirmed its destruction – that is, if it had still survived by this point Further, while the daughter library existing in the Serapeum temple did still exist at this time, in 391 CE it was demolished entirely as per orders of Theophilus of Alexandria, a bishop, as part of the sack of the Serapeum by Christians A final account of the destruction of the Library further suggests that it was finally destroyed by armies of Islamic conquerors in 641 CE, as part of the process of their conquer of Egypt, therefore dealing a final blow to what had dominated the ancient western world for a thousand years as the most important centre of learning, knowledge, and wisdom.
Foot binding
Foot binding was a painful and long-standing tradition in China that lasted for over a thousand years. It started during the Song Dynasty (960-1279) and continued until it was banned in the early 20th century. The practice involved tightly wrapping the feet of young girls to prevent their feet from growing, resulting in small, deformed feet that were considered beautiful and prestigious. This practice was tied to deep cultural beliefs surrounding beauty, status, and gender roles.
Typically, foot binding began when a girl was still a child, a time when her feet were still soft and flexible. The feet would be wrapped tightly with cloth, and the toes would be bent under the soles causing them to curl inward. It resulted in the bones being crushed. Over time, the binding would be tightened, resulting in feet that were sometimes as small as three inches long, known as “lotus feet.”
In Chinese society, small feet were seen as a symbol of feminine beauty, grace, and high social status. Women with bound feet were considered more refined and elegant, and it was believed that their small feet helped them ‘attract’ a good husband. The idea was that these women with bound feet were delicate and possessed the qualities of a ‘good wife.’
In wealthy families, having a daughter with bound feet was a symbol of prestige because it indicated that the woman’s family was in a position which didn't require her to engage in any manual labor as they would’ve been wealthy enough to afford servants. For poorer families, foot binding was often seen as a way to help daughters marry into wealthier families as small feet were highly valued.
Beyond its aesthetic and social significance, foot binding also reinforced gender roles. It made women physically dependent and less mobile, as they were unable to travel or engage in physical labor. This confinement to the home emphasized the idea that a woman’s role was to manage the household and care for children, rather than participate in public life or work.
Despite the intense pain caused by foot binding, many girls and their families saw it as a necessary step toward securing a better future. The process was extremely painful, often causing infections, foot deformities and difficulty walking. However, girls were often told that the suffering would be worthwhile as they would be admired for their beauty once the process was complete. As a result, many women grew up with bound feet and ultimately accepting the pain as part of their identity.
Foot binding came to an end in the early 20th century, during a time of great social and political change in China. After the fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1911, the Republic of China was established and the new government under Sun Yat-sen introduced modernization and social reforms which included the banning of foot binding. While the practice began to decline, it took many years for it to fully disappear. Even after it was banned, some women
continued to bind their feet in secret, as the tradition was so deeply ingrained in their culture.
Today, foot binding is considered a harmful and oppressive practice that caused great suffering for countless women. It is viewed as a symbol of a patriarchal society where a woman’s worth was determined by her appearance and submission to cultural expectations. Whilst foot binding is no longer practiced and hasn’t been for decades, its legacy serves as a reminder of the powerful impact of cultural norms on people’s lives.
In modern China, foot binding is seen as an outdated and cruel tradition, but it highlights an important lesson about the impact of beauty standards and gender roles on women’s lives. The end of foot binding marked a significant step toward women’s liberation in China, and the history of this practice remains a reminder of how deeply ingrained cultural traditions can affect generations of people.
