Crime and Punishment c1700-c1900 Flashcards
Factors which caused an increase in crime (4)
The period of 1700-1850 saw an increase in crimes such as theft, burglary, prostitution and disorderly behaviour due to:
people travelling more and more, less tight-knit in communities
larger towns that made it easier to escape being caught
some criminals became professionals within dens or gangs of thieves
extreme poverty led to a rise in survival crimes.
How was highway robbery attempted to be reduced? (2)
1772 it became a capital crime to be armed and disguised on a highway road.
And mounted patrols on major roads and growth of railways reduced cases until it disappeared completely in 1830
Why did highway robbery increase? (3)
Improved roads led to more people travelling
Increased trade led to more goods and money being transported by road
Many roads were isolated, making it easy to get away with highway robbery.
Why did poaching increase and what was done to stop it?
Gangs worked on a large scale
1723 black act made poaching a capital crimes + illegal to carry snares and own hunting dogs in hunting areas (very unpopular)
Why did smuggling decrease?
Taxes cut in the 1840s
Why did witchcraft stop becoming a crime? (3)
Economic and social change led to more prosperity and political stability
Some people still believed in witchcraft and the devil, but the educated became less superstitious
Royal society, led to more scientific experiments, explaining things that were thought to be witchcraft
Significance of the Tolpuddle martyrs (4)
Highlights how authorities used laws to criminalise people they saw as a threat
Shows how the government protected the interest of employers at the expense of workers
The pardoning of the martyrs illustrates the impact of public opinion
Martyrs inspired some to fight for workers rights
Continuity and change in policing (em–>18/19th cent)
Watchmen continued to patrol cities on foot at night and parish constables dealt with petty crime
Soldiers used to put down riots and large protests
Change- from 1749 bow street runners tracked down criminals and stolen properties
1754 bow street horse patrols patrolled the street.
Describe the bow street runners (5)
Established in London in 1748 by Henry Fielding, to tackle the huge crime wave in 17th-century London. Brother John later took over
At first, they charged fees and claimed rewards but by 1785 they were government-paid.
Introduced new methods of collecting evidence- first modern detectives
Branched out to patrol major roads on both horse and foot
Shared info on crimes and suspects- first beginning of crime intelligence networks
What was the Police act
1856, based on the model of the Metropolitan police, compulsory police force across the entire country
Factors which changed views on punishment 18-19th cent
rapidly growing crime rates led the government to increase the Bloody Code
The number of capital punishments reached a peak of 222 in 1810
change- The 19th cent saw an increase in punishments being equal to crimes
corporal and capital punishments were seen as inhumane
punishments should also be about rehabilitation
when did public executions end
1868
What was the Gaol Act
1774, John Howards suggested how health and sanitation in prisons could be improved
What did Elizabeth Fry do
Set up education to reform female prisoners and get them better food and clothes in 1813. Her and John Howards influenced robert peel.
What was transportation to Australia like (3)
160k people transported to Australia 1787-1868
Some felt it was too harsh for criminals and their families as they worked for settlers for 7 years and most could not afford to come home.
ended as some people felt it was a waste and more prisons were built.
