Edexcel GCSE History: Crime Punishment | Chapter 4 answers
Crime and Punishment in Britain, c1000–present: Answers
4 Early modern England: Criminal activity
1 Explain one way in which the reasons for defining new crimes in the medieval period was similar to the reasons for defining new crimes in the early modern period. (4)
Mark scheme
|
Level |
Marks |
Explanation |
|
1 |
1–2 |
The answer contains a simple or generalised comment about a similarity between reasons for defining new crimes in the medieval period and reasons for defining new crimes in the early modern period. General information about medieval and early modern crimes is included, showing limited knowledge and understanding of the periods. |
|
2 |
3–4 |
Features of the reasons for defining new crimes in the medieval period and features of the reasons for defining new crimes in the early modern period are analysed to explain a similarity. Specific information about medieval and early modern crimes is included to support the comparison, showing good knowledge and understanding of both time periods. |
Relevant points that could be included
- In both periods, challenging the official religion of the country was considered a crime. You then need to give an example from each period; for example:
- In the medieval period, heresy became a crime, making it illegal to challenge the Church’s teachings.
- In the early modern period, it became illegal to refuse to attend Protestant church services, known as the crime of recusancy.
2 Explain why vagabondage was seen as a threat in the 1500s. (12)
You may use the following in your answer:
- increasing poverty
- pamphlets
You must also use information of your own.
Mark scheme
|
Level |
Marks |
Explanation |
|
1 |
1–3 |
The answer is simple or generalised. It is not developed, and it is poorly organised. The answer contains limited knowledge and understanding of ideas about vagabondage in the 1500s. |
|
2 |
4–6 |
The answer contains an explanation, but it is limited and does not link to the reasons why vagabondage was seen as a threat in the 1500s. It contains some development and organisation of material, but a clear line of reasoning throughout is missing. Accurate and relevant information is included, showing some knowledge and understanding of ideas about vagabondage in the 1500s. |
|
3 |
7–9 |
The answer contains an explanation, which shows some analysis and is mainly linked to the reasons why vagabondage was seen as a threat in the 1500s. There is generally a clear line of reasoning throughout, but some passages are not as coherent and organised as they could be. Accurate and relevant information is included, showing good knowledge and understanding of ideas about vagabondage in the 1500s. |
|
4 |
10–12 |
The answer contains an analytical explanation, which is linked to the reasons why vagabondage was seen as a threat in the 1500s. There is a clear line of reasoning throughout, and the answer is coherent and well organised. Accurate and relevant information has been chosen to address the question directly, showing a wide-ranging knowledge and understanding of ideas about vagabondage in the 1500s. |
Relevant points that could be included
- Vagabondage seemed to be on the increase due to a rise in poverty, partly caused by population growth, inflation, and poor harvests.
- Many pamphlets were published warning people of the dangers of vagabonds. This heightened people’s fears and encouraged them to think that many vagabonds were violent criminals.
- Vagabonds were seen as a nuisance because they sometimes begged on the streets if they couldn’t find work. Since they travelled around the country, many feared vagabonds because they were strangers.
3 ‘The Reformation was the most important reason for new crimes being defined in the 1500s.’
How far do you agree? Explain your answer. (16)
You may use the following in your answer:
- witchcraft
- heresy
You must also use information of your own.
Mark scheme
|
Level |
Marks |
Explanation |
|
1 |
1–4 |
The answer is simple or generalised. It is not developed, and it is poorly organised. The answer contains limited knowledge and understanding of new definitions of crime in the 1500s. An overall judgement is missing or is given but is not justified. |
|
2 |
5–8 |
The answer contains an explanation, but it is limited and does not link to what caused new crimes to be defined in the 1500s. It contains some development and organisation of material, but a clear line of reasoning throughout is missing. Accurate and relevant information is included, showing some knowledge and understanding of new definitions of crime in the 1500s. An overall judgement is given, and it is justified, but the justification is not explained at all or is poorly explained. |
|
3 |
9–12 |
The answer contains an explanation, which shows some analysis and is mainly linked to what caused new crimes to be defined in the 1500s. There is generally a clear line of reasoning throughout, but some passages are not as coherent and organised as they could be. Accurate and relevant information is included, showing good knowledge and understanding of new definitions of crime in the 1500s. An overall judgement is given and it is justified, but the justification is not fully explained. |
|
4 |
13–16 |
The answer contains an analytical explanation, which is linked to what caused new crimes to be defined in the 1500s. There is a clear line of reasoning throughout, and the answer is coherent and well organised. Accurate and relevant information has been chosen to address the question directly, showing a wide-ranging knowledge and understanding of new definitions of crime in the 1500s. An overall judgement is given and the justification for the judgement is fully explained. |
Relevant points that could be included
Points in support of the statement:
- Henry VIII and Mary I were both suspicious of Protestant beliefs. For part of Henry VIII’s reign, and during Mary I’s reign, ownership of an English Bible was illegal.
- The 1559 Elizabethan Settlement introduced the crime of recusancy, making it illegal for people not to attend Protestant church services. Elizabeth was trying to persuade Catholics to convert to Protestantism.
- There is a link between the Reformation and beliefs in witchcraft, as religious uncertainty was one reason for the increase in witchcraft accusations. Puritans in particular were very worried about the influence of the Devil.
Points against the statement:
- Vagabondage became a crime in the 1500s, which was mostly due to rising poverty and an ongoing fear of strangers, not religion.
- Many other factors were responsible for witchcraft becoming a crime, and for further witchcraft laws being passed. Pamphlets, beliefs about gender roles, and growing poverty were also reasons.