Explain one way in which the nature of punishment during the years c1500–c1700 was different from the nature of punishment in the period c1900–present. - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 1

One significant difference in the nature of punishment between the periods c1500–c1700 and c1900–present is the focus on physical punishment versus community-based penalties.

During the earlier period (c1500–c1700), punishments were often physical and aimed at deterrence. Common methods included public executions, branding, and flogging, which served as a way to display the consequences of crime to society. This approach was rooted in the belief that harsh physical punishment would dissuade individuals from committing crimes due to fear.

In contrast, the period from c1900 to the present has seen a shift towards less physical and more rehabilitative approaches. Modern punishments typically involve community service, fines, and incarceration that focus on reintegrating offenders into society rather than purely punishing them. The emphasis has moved away from physical punishment to methods that aim to change behavior and reduce reoffending, which reflects a broader understanding of crime and social justice.

This transition illustrates a fundamental change in how society views crime and punishment, shifting from a retributive justice model to one that considers rehabilitation and societal reintegration.