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'There was little change in the nature of criminal activity in the period c1500-c1900' - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 6 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 6
'There was little change in the nature of criminal activity in the period c1500-c1900'. How far do you agree? Explain your answer. You may use the following in your... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:'There was little change in the nature of criminal activity in the period c1500-c1900' - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 6 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explain the nature of criminal activity in the period c1500-c1900.
Answer
During the period c1500-c1900, criminal activity largely revolved around specific societal needs and economic factors. Two significant types of crime prevalent in this era were poaching and highway robbery. Poaching was often a response to the enclosure movement, where common lands became private property, leading to increased conflict over resources. Highway robbery became more common due to the rise in trade and travel, as well as the lack of efficient law enforcement. Both of these activities showcase a continuity in criminal behavior driven by socio-economic conditions.
Step 2
Discuss how poaching reflects continuity in criminal behavior.
Answer
Poaching continued to be a serious issue as the demand for game increased among the wealthy while the poor struggled for food. Laws were increasingly enforced against poachers, showing a persistent conflict between the enforcement of property rights and the needs of local populations. Thus, poaching exemplifies a clear thread of continuity in criminal activity linked to class disparities and resource access throughout this period.
Step 3
Discuss how highway robbery represents change in the nature of crime.
Answer
In contrast, highway robbery illustrates a significant change in criminal behavior. Its emergence in the early 18th century correlates with socio-economic shifts, such as increased trade and the mobility of people. While sharing some traits with previous forms of theft, highway robbery required a more organized approach and often involved gangs. This change highlights a transition towards more opportunistic crimes that adapted to the developing economic landscape.
Step 4
Conclusion: Evaluate the extent of change versus continuity.
Answer
In conclusion, while some aspects of criminal activity, like poaching, demonstrate continuity due to persistent resource struggles, the rise of highway robbery indicates significant changes in how crime adapted to socio-economic conditions. Therefore, I partially agree with the statement, recognizing that while there are consistent themes in crime, notable changes also emerged as the society evolved through the early modern period.