Summary:
"Mr. Punch's History of Modern England, Vol. 2 (of 4).—1857-1874" by Charles L. Graves is a historical account written during the early 20th century. This volume continues the exploration of Victorian England, specifically focusing on the significant events and societal changes that took place from the late 1850s through the early 1870s. The book likely delves into political issues, military engagements, social reforms, and the cultural fabric of the time, offering readers a satirical yet insightful perspective on the era through the lens of the famous magazine "Punch". The opening of the book introduces the context of England's foreign policy during a pivotal period, stressing a national outlook that prioritized non-intervention in European conflicts. It references various diplomatic tensions, including how the country navigated issues such as the American Civil War, relations with France, and the uprisings in India. It highlights "Punch"'s unique style of commentary, blending humor and satire to convey serious critiques of government actions and societal issues of the day, as seen in their treatment of the Indian Mutiny and the public's sentiment towards military leaders and reformers. This sets up a rich tapestry for understanding how public opinion and political maneuvering shaped modern England during this transformative time. (This is an automatically generated summary.)