Edexcel GCSE History: Law Enforcement in Industrial Britain,c1700–c1900

Edexcel GCSE History: Law Enforcement in Industrial Britain, c1700–c1900

Introduction:

The Industrial Revolution in Britain led to significant changes in society, including a rapid rise in crime rates. This presented challenges to existing law enforcement systems, prompting the development of new policing approaches. This unit explores the transformation of law enforcement during this period, focusing on the emergence of organized policing and the decline of community-based methods.

Key Concepts:

• Crime: Analyze the types of crimes that were prevalent in Industrial Britain and their impact on society.
• Policing: Explore the evolution of policing strategies, including the rise of professionalized police forces and the role of community-based policing.
• Effectiveness: Evaluate the effectiveness of different policing methods in tackling crime and maintaining order.
• Public Reactions: Consider the public's response to these changes in law enforcement and the impact on social control.

Key Individuals and Organizations:

• Henry Fielding: Founder of the Bow Street Runners.
• Sir Robert Peel: Founder of the Metropolitan Police Force.
• The Bow Street Runners: Early professionalized police force established in London.
• The Metropolitan Police Force: First modern police force in Britain, established in 1829.

Timeline of Events:

• c. 1700: The Bow Street Runners are established.
• 1750-1850: Industrial Revolution leads to a significant increase in crime.
• 1829: The Metropolitan Police Force is founded.
• 1839: The Municipal Corporations Act gives towns and cities the power to establish their own police forces.

Assessment Focus:

• Paper 1: Examines your knowledge of policing innovations during this period. You will need to analyze their effectiveness and public reactions.

Key Areas of Study:

1. The Growth of Crime in Industrial Britain:

• Analyze the social and economic factors contributing to the rise in crime during the Industrial Revolution.
• Explore different types of crimes, such as theft, violence, and public disorder.
• Examine the impact of crime on the lives of ordinary people and the challenges it posed to social order.

2. The Emergence of Organized Policing:

• Discuss the limitations of community-based law enforcement methods in dealing with the growing problem of crime.
• Explore the establishment of the Bow Street Runners and its role in addressing crime in London.
• Examine the reforms of Sir Robert Peel and the creation of the Metropolitan Police Force.
• Analyze the key principles of Peel's "New Police," including the concept of "policing by consent."

3. Effectiveness and Public Reactions:

• Evaluate the effectiveness of organized policing in reducing crime and maintaining order.
• Consider the challenges faced by early police forces, such as corruption and public resistance.
• Examine public attitudes towards the police and their role in society.
• Analyze the impact of policing on social control and the development of the modern criminal justice system.

4. The Decline of Community-Based Law Enforcement:

• Assess the role of informal social control mechanisms, such as community policing and vigilantism.
• Analyze the factors that led to the decline of community-based law enforcement.
• Explore the consequences of this shift for the relationship between the police and the public.

5. The Evolution of Policing into the 20th Century:

• Briefly consider the development of policing practices after the Industrial Revolution.
• Explore the emergence of new technologies and strategies in law enforcement.
• Discuss the ongoing debate surrounding the role and effectiveness of the police in society.

Assessment Preparation:

• Reading: Consult textbooks, online resources, and primary sources to gain a deeper understanding of the topic.
• Note-Taking: Organize your research notes into clear and concise summaries.
• Practice Questions: Utilize past exam papers to assess your knowledge and identify areas for improvement.
• Essay Writing: Practice writing essays that critically analyze the key concepts and themes of the unit.
• Discussion: Engage in class discussions to share your understanding and develop your critical thinking skills.

Remember: This tutorial is a guide to assist your understanding of the period. You are encouraged to expand your research and delve deeper into specific aspects of the topic that interest you.