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Study Sources A and B in the Sources Booklet - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 2 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 2
Study Sources A and B in the Sources Booklet. How useful are Sources A and B for an enquiry into the link between poverty and crime in Whitechapel? Explain your an... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Study Sources A and B in the Sources Booklet - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 2 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Assess the usefulness of Source A
Answer
Source A indicates that poverty was a significant factor in crime rates in Whitechapel. It suggests that certain individuals, seen as respectable, were often associated with criminal activities, highlighting societal perceptions of crime. Furthermore, the reference to lodging houses indicates a direct link to the environment where crime proliferated. Analysis should include how the source reflects the social attitudes of the time, particularly that poverty led to increased crime rates.
Step 2
Evaluate the provenance of Source A
Answer
Understanding the context of Source A is crucial. It was published in a newspaper that aimed to provoke public interest, suggesting a possible exaggeration of the crime situation to sell more papers. The title's sensationalism must be considered when assessing the reliability of the source, as it may not accurately reflect the socio-economic conditions of the era.
Step 3
Assess the usefulness of Source B
Answer
Source B provides insights into the broader context of crime and poverty by differentiating areas of Whitechapel. It illustrates that middle-class areas faced different issues compared to impoverished regions. This differentiation is essential for understanding how crime was perceived across social classes, suggesting that poverty played a predominant role in areas most affected by crime.
Step 4
Evaluate the provenance of Source B
Answer
The origin of Source B indicates that it was produced after significant public scrutiny of Whitechapel during the time of Jack the Ripper. This context is crucial in understanding the potential biases in the coverage of crime. Evaluating this source involves looking at its aim to inform and how accurate its depiction of the poverty-crime link is, keeping in mind that interpretations of public reaction could influence its content.