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'The role of religion was the main reason why crimes against authority increased in the years c1500–c1700.' How far do you agree? Explain your answer - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 5 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 5
'The role of religion was the main reason why crimes against authority increased in the years c1500–c1700.' How far do you agree? Explain your answer. You may use ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:'The role of religion was the main reason why crimes against authority increased in the years c1500–c1700.' How far do you agree? Explain your answer - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 5 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
How far do you agree? Discuss the role of religion.
Answer
The role of religion during the years c1500–c1700 significantly influenced the increase in crimes against authority, particularly due to the Reformation and the ensuing religious conflicts. The divide between Catholics and Protestants often led to violent uprisings and acts of treason against the Crown, exemplified by events such as the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, which was motivated by a radicalized Catholic minority seeking to overthrow Protestant leadership. Religious leaders also wielded substantial influence over their communities, which could incite criminal acts aimed at authority figures seen as heretical or oppressive.
Moreover, the establishment of Protestantism under figures like Henry VIII and later rulers altered the power dynamics in society, leading to increased tensions between loyalist Catholics and the Protestant establishment. Thus, religion served as a potent catalyst for various antisocial behaviors, reflecting deep-rooted societal divisions.
Step 2
Discuss the role of vagabonds.
Answer
In addition to religious factors, the phenomenon of vagabondage also contributed to the rise in crimes against authority. Economic instability and the dissolution of monasteries under the Act of Supremacy led to mass unemployment and social dislocation, resulting in many individuals resorting to vagrancy. The existence of beggars and vagabonds was perceived as a direct threat to social order, prompting harsh measures from authorities, including punitive laws.
The vagabonds often resorted to theft and other forms of crime as means of survival, leading to significant numbers of offenses against property and authority. The fear of vagrants heightening criminal activities can also be understood in the context of economic precarity and social unrest during this period.
Step 3
Use information of your own.
Answer
Additional factors to consider include the political landscape of the period. The rise of parliamentary power and challenges to monarchical authority during the English Civil War instigated a range of criminal activities, as various factions sought to assert their dominance. For example, the tension between royalists and parliamentarians not only led to open conflict but also to a spike in treasonous activities, as individuals aligned themselves with either side.
Moreover, the witch hunts that proliferated during this period highlight the intersection of fear, religion, and authority, where accusations of witchcraft often targeted those who defied social norms or the established religious order. This points to a broader context in which crimes against authority were not merely rooted in resistance but also drove by societal fears and religious paranoia.