Final answer:
The Victorian mindset, shaped by Enlightenment principles, revolved around a dichotomy of civilization and savagery, with a strong belief in European cultural superiority. Social norms were heavily influenced by the bourgeois class, and anxieties about social stability permeated the culture. Queen Victoria personified the era's values, with society espousing progress and rationality while grappling with internal contradictions and fears.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the Victorian era, the mindset regarding civilization, heavily influenced by the principles of the Enlightenment period, emphasized rationalism, progress, and a stark distinction between what was considered civilized behavior and savagery. The rise of the bourgeoisie and their cultural norms, known as Victorianism, was marked by a strong belief in the moral superiority of European culture underpinned by industrial progress and scientific advancements. The Victorian bourgeoisie viewed themselves as the pinnacle of civilization and maintained strict social codes and class divisions, often with a moral undertone that linked economic success with virtue. The period also saw a notable fearfulness among the elite of possible social upheaval by the working classes and other perceived threats to societal order.
Queen Victoria symbolized the cultural ethos of the time, reflecting a society that championed the values of the Enlightenment but also struggled with its own contradictions, such as a repressive approach to sexuality and an anxiety regarding social class and empire. Victorianism was characterized by a desire for security and a clear demarcation of class through outward appearances, reinforcing their vision of a European culture destined to dominate the globe.