Taylor Stanek - Blog Post 2

Boat Ride on the River Thames

On Tuesday February 12, 2019 the class took a boat ride on the Thames River from the Battersea Power Station pier to Blackfriars pier. The idea was to open our perspectives regarding the river bank development and how far it has come in the past three centuries. Common themes conveyed in both the boat tour as well as Monet’s London article includes capitalism, power, and nationalism.

Starting at the Battersea port, there was major construction and development occurring on office buildings, stores, and apartments, trying to draw more people into the area. To the south of the Thames, there were newly constructed buildings including apartment complexes and the US Embassy. To the north of the Thames were older more established buildings including Parliament and Big Ben. When in the middle of the vast Thames, I was able to see the skyline of buildings and all London has to offer. These buildings, whether new or old, showed the power and vastness of London. Constant development and construction cranes portray that London is in a period of growth and expansion. The older buildings along the north side of the Thames portrays a sense of nationalism and the pride that Londoner’s have for their city and country. The buildings, bridges, and river that connect the city and make it what it is today is massive and shows off London as a powerful and wealthy force.

In the reading by Monet, he describes London as two major themes:  dirty and commerce. The Thames used to be dumping grounds for London and even grew to the point where people couldn’t stand to be near the river. Nearing the 1860s, a decision was made to re-develop the river’s banks. Many people were unsure of the reaction that this would create, but in the end, it turned out to be one of the best things that has happened to London. The benefits of the new development were made clear and as Charles Dickens junior put it, “few London improvements have been more conducive to health and comfort” (Monet, 157). Artists began painting the new view, people were drawn to the massive walls and gardens and buildings that replaced the dirty river. The pride of London was very apparent in this moment, as well as capitalism and power of the British empire to experience such a transformation.  

            The boat tour gave me a new perspective of the city. The buildings, river, and skyline portray London as a powerful and wealthy city with lots to offer its citizens. The newer and older developments represent an area of pride for people and shape London into the city that it is today. Connecting the reading to the boat tour, I see and feel the wealth and power that London represents for its citizens.

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