Edexcel GCSE History: Crime in Modern Britain,c1900–present

Edexcel GCSE History: Crime in Modern Britain, c1900-present

This tutorial will explore the fascinating world of crime in Modern Britain, focusing on the period from 1900 to the present. We'll examine how crime has evolved alongside technological advancements and societal changes, and how policing and legislation have adapted to meet these challenges.

Key Themes:

• Emergence of New Crimes: How have technological advancements like the internet and globalized societies led to the rise of cybercrime, drug trafficking, and other new criminal activities?
• Organized Crime: How have criminal organizations adapted to these changes, and how have policing methods been challenged by their sophisticated operations?
• Legislative Responses: What new laws and policies have been implemented to address modern crime? How effective have these responses been?

Paper 1 Emphasis:

Your Paper 1 exams will focus on the relationship between modern crime and technological and social change. You'll need to be able to:

• Analyze historical sources: Evaluate primary and secondary sources to understand the changing nature of crime in Modern Britain.
• Develop historical arguments: Construct clear, reasoned arguments about the causes and consequences of modern crime, using evidence from your research.
• Compare and contrast: Analyze the differences and similarities between various types of crime, policing methods, and legislative responses over time.

Essential Topics to Study:

• The changing nature of crime:
  • Traditional crimes: Robbery, theft, assault, murder
  • New crimes: Cybercrime, drug trafficking, human trafficking, terrorism
• The rise of organized crime:
  • Gangs, criminal networks, international drug cartels
  • Methods of operation: Smuggling, money laundering, corruption
• Policing methods:
  • The development of specialized units: Cybercrime units, drug enforcement agencies
  • Challenges: Cross-border crime, technological advancements, public trust
• Legislative responses:
  • New laws: Data Protection Act, Terrorism Act, Proceeds of Crime Act
  • Effectiveness: Deterrence, rehabilitation, impact on human rights

Study Tips:

• Use a range of sources: Explore primary sources like newspaper articles, police reports, and court records alongside secondary sources like academic books and journals.
• Create timelines: Visualize the evolution of crime, policing, and legislation over time.
• Use case studies: Examine specific examples of crimes, criminal organizations, or policing responses to gain a deeper understanding.
• Practice answering exam questions: Use past papers to hone your analytical skills and develop your ability to construct well-supported arguments.

By understanding the complex relationship between crime, society, and technology, you will be well-equipped to succeed in your Edexcel GCSE History exam.