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Explain why there were new definitions of crimes against authority in the years c1000–c1700 - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 4
Explain why there were new definitions of crimes against authority in the years c1000–c1700. You may use the following in your answer: - poaching - heresy You must... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explain why there were new definitions of crimes against authority in the years c1000–c1700 - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explain why there were new definitions of crimes against authority in the years c1000–c1700: Poaching
Answer
During the medieval period, poaching emerged as a significant issue that challenged the authority of landowners, particularly in the context of feudalism. With the introduction of enclosed lands, poaching was increasingly viewed as a crime against property rights. Laws were established to protect game and resources, emphasizing the authority of landholders over their estates. This legal framework reflected a changing attitude towards land ownership and the rights of individuals to access shared resources. As the population grew and the demand for food increased, poaching became more common, leading authorities to redefine it as a more serious crime.
Step 2
Explain why there were new definitions of crimes against authority in the years c1000–c1700: Heresy
Answer
Heresy was another area where new definitions emerged, particularly with the rise of religious authority during the Middle Ages. The Church established rigid definitions of acceptable beliefs, considering any deviation as a challenge to its power. This culminated in various religious conflicts, including the Inquisition and witch hunts, where individuals accused of heresy faced severe penalties. The perception of heresy as a threat to societal order influenced laws, resulting in its classification as a significant crime. The shift in power dynamics, along with the Reformation and the subsequent responses from the Church, reinforced the need for clear definitions surrounding religious beliefs and their implications.
Step 3
Use information of your own.
Answer
Furthermore, the evolving political landscape contributed to the redefinition of crimes against authority. Figures such as King William I changed the view of authority through conquests and governance strategies. His imposition of Norman rule post-1066 not only established a new order but also led to the development of laws that emphasized the monarch's authority over the land. The statute of Treason in 1351 further exemplified this shift by criminalizing actions against the king, thus establishing a formal definition of treachery. Such changes indicated the intertwining of law and authority in a society undergoing significant transformation in political and social structures.