People started marrying for love as a more common practice in the 18th century, with the trend continuing into the 19th century. Before this period, marriages were often based on economic or social considerations rather than romantic love.
The Rise of Romantic Marriage
While the concept of love has always existed, marrying specifically for love is a relatively modern development.
- Pre-18th Century: Marriages were primarily viewed as strategic alliances, aimed at consolidating wealth, power, or social standing.
- 18th Century Emergence: The idea of marriage based on romance started to slowly emerge as an ideal. This shift marked a significant change in societal values and expectations regarding marriage.
- 19th Century Consolidation: The trend of marrying for love continued and strengthened throughout the 19th century, influencing cultural norms and literature.
It is important to note that marrying for love did not completely replace arranged marriages or marriages based on other practical considerations. However, it became a much more widely accepted and valued reason to enter into marriage.
