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'In the years c1600–c1900, the use of transportation had a greater impact on crime than the impact of the Bloody Code.' How far do you agree? Explain your answer - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 6 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 6
'In the years c1600–c1900, the use of transportation had a greater impact on crime than the impact of the Bloody Code.' How far do you agree? Explain your answer. Y... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:'In the years c1600–c1900, the use of transportation had a greater impact on crime than the impact of the Bloody Code.' How far do you agree? Explain your answer - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 6 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
How far do you agree? (Use of Transportation)
Answer
To agree with the statement, one could argue that the use of transportation to Australia significantly impacted crime during this period. The transportation system removed convicted criminals from Britain, often for minor offenses, and thus relieved pressure on the British social system. This not only deterred crime in Britain, as the threat of transportation loomed over potential offenders but also provided labor in colonies where they could contribute to society in a different capacity.
Additionally, the harsh conditions and increased surveillance in the colonies acted as a deterrent against repeat offenses among transported individuals. As a result, transportation can be perceived as a more effective method of addressing crime than the Bloody Code.
Step 2
How far do you agree? (Impact of the Bloody Code)
Answer
On the contrary, one must consider the Bloody Code, which implemented severe penalties for various offenses, including capital punishment for minor crimes. This system instilled a culture of fear and compliance, which may have deterred crime in the short term.
However, the excessive nature of this code arguably fostered contempt for the law among the populace, leading to an increase in criminal activities as people became desensitized to its severity. In this light, the Bloody Code could be seen as having a counterproductive effect on crime rates.
Step 3
Conclusion and Personal Analysis
Answer
In conclusion, while both transportation and the Bloody Code had significant impacts on crime, the evidence suggests that transportation's long-term effects in reshaping societal norms and reducing crime levels were more substantial. By separating offenders from society and placing them in a controlled environment, transportation arguably had broader social implications compared to the immediate fear instilled by the Bloody Code. Ultimately, the effectiveness of each measure can be viewed contextually, depending on the period's societal characteristics and values.