Queen Victoria's Empire backdrop
Documentary

The Best Episodes of Queen Victoria's Empire

Every episode of Queen Victoria's Empire ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Queen Victoria's Empire!

Binge this in 3h 36m•Peaking at 7.8/10

At the time of Queen Victoria’s birth in 1819, England was an agrarian society. Within a few short decades, this small island nation would be transformed into an industrial superpower, with an empire spanning the

Airs on
PBS
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons1

All1

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Click to reveal
    Queen Victoria's Empire Season 1 Episode 1 - Engines of Change
    7.8/10(17 votes)

    #1 - Engines of Change

    S1:E1

    Beginning with the birth of Queen Victoria, this episode explores the changes brought to Britain by the industrial revolution. By the 1840s, urban migration has created overcrowding and extremes in pollution and poverty. However, British subjects remain loyal to their Queen. Prince Albert, Victoria's husband, becomes a guiding force in the monarchy. Benjamin Disraeli and William Gladstone, political stars with starkly contrasting visions of empire, turn the nation's attention abroad.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. Queen Victoria's Empire Season 1 Episode 3 - The Moral Crusade
    7.2/10(12 votes)

    #2 - The Moral Crusade

    S1:E3

    By 1861, Britain is the wealthiest and most powerful nation on earth. However, the death of Prince Albert weakens Victoria, and many of his political ideals fade from importance. David Livingstone's explorations of the African interior fascinate the British public. Disraeli and Gladstone battle for control of the British government and debate the course of empire. The purchase of the Suez Canal solidifies British presence in the Middle East, igniting a stampede for the colonization of Africa.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. Queen Victoria's Empire Season 1 Episode 2 - Passage to India
    6.9/10(15 votes)

    #3 - Passage to India

    S1:E2

    In the 1850s, one half of the world's industrial goods are made in Britain, and steamships bring British exports and families to far corners of the globe. In India, the clash of Victorian values and Indian culture explodes in the Great Mutiny and Cawnpore massacre of 1857. Appalled by the bloodshed, Victoria and Albert draft a proclamation to assume direct rule over India. This episode also reveals the devastating effects of The Crimean War, the first major war of Victoria's reign, and the death of Prince Albert.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. Queen Victoria's Empire Season 1 Episode 4 - The Scramble for Africa
    6.9/10(12 votes)

    #4 - The Scramble for Africa

    S1:E4

    The Suez Canal is threatened by a holy war in the Sudan, and General Charles Gordon, killed by the rebels, becomes an "imperial martyr." Cecil Rhodes prospects diamond deposits in southern Africa, and asserts British control in the region. However, as Victoria celebrates her Diamond Jubilee, the empire is on the verge of its darkest hours. The Boer War leads to devastating losses and a reassessment of British purpose. Finally, in 1901, the death of Queen Victoria marks the end of an extraordinary era.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Best Episodes Summary

"Engines of Change" is the best rated episode of "Queen Victoria's Empire". It scored 7.8/10 based on 17 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 6/17/2001. This episode scored 0.6 points higher than the second highest rated, "The Moral Crusade".