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Study Sources A and B in the Sources Booklet - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 2 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 2
Study Sources A and B in the Sources Booklet. How useful are Sources A and B for an enquiry into the difficulties of policing the Whitechapel area, c1870-c1900? Ex... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Study Sources A and B in the Sources Booklet - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 2 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
How useful are Sources A and B for this enquiry?
Answer
To evaluate the usefulness of Sources A and B, we must consider their content and the context of their creation.
Source A: This source suggests that individual policemen faced serious challenges. It references specific incidents where officers were outmatched, highlighting the dangers of their work. Additionally, this source comes from the East London Observer, which lends it credibility, as it may have reported on court trials and law enforcement issues, indicating accurate details surrounding the policing context in Whitechapel. However, the source may also exaggerate the threats policemen faced to emphasize the need for greater support.
Source B: This source, a cartoon from Punch, critiques policing strategies and public sentiment. Although it uses humor and satire, it underscores real issues, such as the inadequacy of police presence in dark alleys, which made Whitechapel a hotspot for crime. The cartoon reflects societal concerns of the time, capturing public perception of police effectiveness. But, like Source A, it may not provide a completely factual representation of police work.
In summary, while both sources provide insights into the difficulties of policing in Whitechapel, Source A offers factual accounts, whereas Source B represents public sentiment and critiques. Thus, they must be analyzed together to understand the full scope of the challenges faced by law enforcement in that period.
Step 2
How does historical context inform our understanding of these sources?
Answer
The historical context of Whitechapel during this era was marked by poverty, crime, and public discontent with policing. The social conditions, including the prevalence of crime and the local populace's general distrust toward the police, influence the content of both sources. Whitechapel was characterized by overcrowded living conditions and little police presence, complicating the enforcement of law. Additionally, the fear generated by notorious criminals during this time led to heightened scrutiny of police actions. This understanding sheds light on both sources, revealing that they are reflections of a much larger struggle within society regarding law enforcement effectiveness.
Step 3
What sources would you suggest for further enquiry?
Answer
To follow up on the difficulties of policing in Whitechapel, I would look for:
- Police records, particularly relating to the activities and incidents reported in law enforcement documents.
- H Division reports, which provide insights into police operations and the challenges faced by the officers.
Additionally, inquiries could include local newspaper articles that highlight public sentiment and key incidents, as well as personal accounts from people living in Whitechapel at the time.