Edexcel GCSE History: Crime in Industrial Britain,c1700–c1900

Edexcel GCSE History: Crime in Industrial Britain, c1700–c1900

This tutorial will guide you through the key themes and issues surrounding crime in Industrial Britain. We'll explore the impact of industrialization on crime rates, the rise of new forms of crime, and how authorities responded to the changing landscape.

Understanding the Context:

• Industrialization & Urbanization: The rapid growth of industry and factories drew people from rural areas to cities, leading to massive population increases. This created social and economic pressures that fueled crime.
• Social Change & Inequality: The transition to an industrial society brought significant social change, with new class structures and disparities in wealth. This fueled resentment and provided opportunities for crime.
• Transportation & Communication: Improved transportation networks like canals and railways enabled the movement of goods and people, creating new opportunities for criminal activity such as smuggling and highway robbery.

Key Themes:

• Impact of Population Growth: Analyze the relationship between rapid population growth and crime rates. Consider the factors that led to overcrowding, poverty, and unemployment in cities, and how these conditions contributed to criminal activity.
• Rise of New Crimes: Explore the emergence of new criminal activities like smuggling, highway robbery, and organized crime. Explain how these crimes were facilitated by the changing economic and social landscape.
• Responses to Crime: Examine the methods used by authorities to combat crime, including the establishment of new police forces, the development of prisons, and changes to the legal system. Discuss the effectiveness of these responses and the challenges faced by authorities.
• The Role of Social Factors: Investigate how poverty, unemployment, and inequality played a role in shaping crime patterns during the Industrial Revolution. Consider the impact of these factors on individual behavior and the rise of criminal gangs.

Exam Tips:

• Analyze Source Material: Be prepared to analyze historical sources, such as official crime statistics, newspaper articles, and personal accounts.
• Develop Arguments: Craft clear and concise arguments using evidence from your research.
• Compare and Contrast: Compare different types of crime, the methods used to combat crime, and the effectiveness of various responses.

Further Research:

• Primary Sources: Seek out original documents, such as court records, police reports, and personal diaries, to gain a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of individuals during this period.
• Secondary Sources: Explore scholarly articles and books that analyze the social, economic, and political factors that influenced crime in Industrial Britain.

Remember: By understanding the social, economic, and political context of Industrial Britain, you can develop a strong understanding of the causes and consequences of crime during this period.