How far do you agree that there were more significant changes to prisons in the period 1750–1900 than in the period since 1900? Give reasons for your answer. - OCR Gateway - GCSE History - Question 5 - 2022 - Paper 1

To assess whether there were more significant changes in prisons between 1750–1900 compared to the period after 1900, one must consider multiple aspects, including legal reforms, societal attitudes, and the prison system's overall evolution.

First, during the period 1750–1900, significant reforms such as the introduction of the separate system and the rehabilitation focus became prominent. The separate system, developed in the early 19th century, emphasized solitary confinement, aiming to encourage reflection and remorse among prisoners. This marked a vital shift from merely punitive measures to more rehabilitative approaches.

Furthermore, this period witnessed the rise of influential movements advocating for prisoners' rights and better treatment, spearheaded by figures such as Elizabeth Fry. The establishment of the Prison Act 1877, which aimed to standardize prison conditions across the UK, is another testament to the significant changes occurring within this timeframe.

In contrast, the period since 1900 has seen its own set of changes, including the shift towards community service and rehabilitation programs. However, many of the structural systems from the earlier period remained, and the substantial foundational reforms occurred in the 19th century. The implementation of probation and parole systems only built on previous changes rather than created significant new shifts in penal philosophy.

Overall, while both periods had essential developments, the fundamental transformations that established the modern prison system occurred significantly during 1750–1900. Therefore, I agree that the changes in the earlier period were more significant.