Explain one way in which the nature of punishment during the years c1500–c1700 was different from the nature of punishment in the period c1900–present. - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 1

One notable difference in the nature of punishment between the years c1500–c1700 and the period c1900–present is the physicality of the punishments employed.

During the earlier period (c1500–c1700), punishments were often severe and physical. Common methods included execution, public hangings, and other forms of corporal punishment that were designed to deter crime through fear. For instance, methods such as burning at the stake or drawing and quartering were utilized for severe offenses, reflecting a more brutal societal approach to justice.

In contrast, the period from c1900 to the present has seen a shift towards less violent and more rehabilitative forms of punishment. Rather than focusing on physical penalties, modern systems emphasize rehabilitation and community service. In this context, punishments like imprisonment, fines, and probation are preferred, reflecting a belief in reforming the offender rather than merely punishing them.

This evolution illustrates the changing societal values regarding justice and punishment, where the focus has shifted from deterrence through fear to rehabilitation and societal reintegration.