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Write a narrative account analysing the continuing attempts to establish law and order in the years c1876–c1895 - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 2 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 2
Write a narrative account analysing the continuing attempts to establish law and order in the years c1876–c1895. You may use the following in your answer: • sheriff... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Write a narrative account analysing the continuing attempts to establish law and order in the years c1876–c1895 - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 2 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
sheriffs and marshals
Answer
In the years c1876–c1895, sheriffs and marshals played crucial roles in establishing law and order in the American West. These officials were often appointed to maintain peace within their jurisdictions, which were frequently marked by lawlessness.
Sheriffs, elected by the populace, were expected to carry out the law in often rugged and remote areas. Their authority was limited, especially in sprawling territories that were difficult to patrol. For instance, when incidents of violence erupted, such as range wars or conflicts between settlers and Native Americans, sheriffs often had to rely on support from state and federal law enforcement. The difficulty of maintaining a sufficient force only exacerbated the challenges they faced.
Marshals, appointed by the federal government, also contributed to law enforcement efforts, particularly in the territories. They were tasked with executing federal laws and could call upon deputies to assist. However, like sheriffs, they struggled with insufficient manpower and resources, which affected their ability to respond swiftly to crimes.
Step 2
OK Corral (1881)
Answer
The infamous gunfight at the OK Corral in Tombstone, Arizona, on October 26, 1881, serves as a stark example of the attempts to establish law and order. Lawmen like Wyatt Earp and his brothers were involved in this confrontation against the Clanton-McLaury gang, illustrating the volatile nature of law enforcement at the time.
The gunfight was the culmination of escalating tensions resulting from cattle rustling and alleged criminal activities by the Clanton faction. It showcased the limits of law enforcement—the Earp brothers, while acting as lawmen, took the law into their own hands when they felt that traditional processes had failed them.
This event not only drew national attention but also sparked discussions about the effectiveness of sheriffs and marshals in controlling violence. It underscores how, despite their efforts, law enforcement often resorted to violent confrontations as a means to establish order in an environment where legal authority was frequently challenged.
Step 3
Use of information of your own
Answer
In addition to the roles of sheriffs and marshals, one must consider the broader societal context that influenced law enforcement efforts. Economic factors, such as the expansion of railroads and settlement of the West, led to a population boom, which in turn increased the demand for law enforcement.
Moreover, the rise of vigilante justice illustrated public discontent with official law enforcement. Individuals took matters into their own hands when they perceived sheriffs and marshals as ineffective, leading to a culture of lawlessness in some areas. Cases of lynching and mob justice were not uncommon, reflecting a societal struggle between newly established laws and the existing social order.
Thus, the narrative of law and order in the American West from c1876 to c1895 is one of complexity, marked by ongoing attempts to enforce laws in a challenging environment, influenced by both the actions of law officials and the societal context surrounding them.