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'The work of the Fielding brothers led to a great improvement in law enforcement in the years c1500-c1900.' How far do you agree? Explain your answer - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 5 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 5
'The work of the Fielding brothers led to a great improvement in law enforcement in the years c1500-c1900.' How far do you agree? Explain your answer. You may use t... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:'The work of the Fielding brothers led to a great improvement in law enforcement in the years c1500-c1900.' How far do you agree? Explain your answer - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 5 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Evaluate the role of town watchmen
Answer
Town watchmen were responsible for maintaining order in urban areas, patrolling the streets to prevent crime. Their existence marked a shift towards more organized law enforcement, especially in larger towns and cities. Although they faced challenges, such as limited authority and inadequate resources, their presence laid the groundwork for more formal policing methods in the years to come.
Step 2
Assess the impact of the Bow Street Runners
Answer
The Bow Street Runners, established by Henry Fielding in the 1750s, represented a significant advancement in law enforcement. They were one of the first professional police forces in London, focusing on detection and prevention of crime. Their success in solving cases and capturing criminals illustrated a more proactive approach to law enforcement, which began to inspire other regions to develop similar mechanisms.
Step 3
Incorporate additional information
Answer
Besides the contributions of the Fielding brothers, broader changes in society such as the Industrial Revolution and urbanization influenced law enforcement improvements. Increased population density led to higher crime rates, necessitating better policing methods. Additionally, advancements in communication and transportation contributed to more efficient law enforcement practices during this period.
Step 4
Overall conclusion
Answer
In conclusion, while the Fielding brothers' efforts, particularly through the Bow Street Runners, marked significant improvements in law enforcement, the developments of the period were also influenced by broader social changes. Therefore, acknowledging their contributions is essential, but it is equally important to consider the context in which these improvements occurred.