Factors Affecting Crime and Punishment

This section explains Factors Affecting Crime and Punishment in Britain, c.1700 - c.1900. Between 1700 and 1900, Britain underwent significant social, economic, and technological transformations, which had a direct impact on crime, punishment, and policing. These changes were largely driven by the Industrial Revolution, which altered the structure of society, shifting populations from rural areas to rapidly growing urban centres. The era also saw the growth of new technologies, scientific advancements, and changes in government policies, all of which influenced the criminal justice system.

The Industrial Revolution and the Need for a Police Force

The Industrial Revolution in Britain is generally considered to have begun in the late 18th century and continued into the early 19th century. This period saw a major shift from rural, agrarian lifestyles to urban, industrial ones, as people left the countryside to work in newly established factories. By the end of the 19th century, the majority of the British population was employed in industrial settings, with cities becoming the primary centres of production.

As the population of cities grew rapidly, they became overcrowded, which in turn contributed to rising crime rates. Urban areas such as London saw an influx of people, leading to increased crime, particularly theft, pickpocketing, and other forms of petty crime. With large numbers of people living in close proximity, criminals could easily blend in with the crowds, making it more difficult to detect and apprehend them.

By 1900, London's population had surged to approximately 4.5 million, and other industrial cities, including Birmingham, Glasgow, Liverpool, and Manchester, were also experiencing significant growth. The surge in urbanisation led to a greater need for law enforcement, as traditional methods of policing were no longer effective in managing the growing number of crimes. This highlighted the importance of establishing a formal, organised police force.

Growth of the Population in Towns and Cities

The movement of people from rural areas to urban centres, starting in the 18th century, led to rapid population growth in towns and cities. By concentrating in urban areas, people were no longer spread out across the countryside, but instead lived in close quarters, often in poor conditions. The population density in these areas, particularly in parts of London, became overwhelming, contributing to a rise in crimes like petty theft, pickpocketing, and street violence.

These crimes were often associated with what was known as the ‘criminal underclass’. This group of individuals was typically involved in low-level crime, and in the hustle and bustle of busy city centres, they were harder to spot than in the past. Many of these criminals preyed on the large numbers of people who lived in the cities, where anonymity and the chaotic environment made it easier to commit crimes without being noticed.

The overcrowding of cities also led to a greater demand for public services and infrastructure, including policing. In response to this growing demand, the government and local authorities started to recognise the need for more organised methods of crime prevention and law enforcement.

The Growth of Technology and Science

The technological advancements of the Industrial Revolution also had a significant impact on crime and punishment. One of the key developments was the expansion of the railway system, which began in the 1840s. Trains allowed for faster and more efficient travel than previous methods, such as canal boats and horse-drawn carts. The railway not only facilitated the movement of goods and people but also played a role in criminal activities, as it allowed criminals to travel long distances more easily, making it more difficult to track their movements.

Furthermore, scientific advancements in the 19th century led to developments in forensic techniques, which contributed to the growing professionalism of policing. These advances allowed law enforcement to use new methods, such as fingerprinting and ballistics analysis, to investigate and solve crimes more effectively. Although these developments were not fully realised until later in the century, they laid the foundation for the modernisation of law enforcement and criminal justice.

The Role of Government

Throughout much of the 18th and early 19th centuries, the British government adopted a laissez-faire approach to crime and social issues. This philosophy, which translates to "leave it be," suggested that the government should not interfere too much in the lives of its citizens and that the market, rather than the state, should govern social and economic matters. As a result, crime prevention and punishment were largely left to local communities, private individuals, and the church.

However, by the mid-19th century, there was a shift in this attitude. The growing complexity of urban life, the rise in crime, and the increasing recognition of the need for public safety led many to believe that the government had a duty to intervene more directly in the maintenance of law and order. As public opinion began to change, the government took a more active role in criminal justice, passing new legislation that aimed to improve both policing and punishment systems.

This shift led to the establishment of formal police forces, with the Metropolitan Police Force in London, founded in 1829 under Sir Robert Peel, being one of the most notable developments. The creation of police forces across the country marked the beginning of modern law enforcement in Britain, signalling the government's increasing involvement in crime control. Furthermore, legislative changes during this period included reforms in the penal system, such as the introduction of transportation as a punishment and the eventual move towards more humane treatment of prisoners.

Conclusion

The period between 1700 and 1900 was marked by significant changes in the nature of crime, the methods of punishment, and the structure of policing in Britain. These changes were driven by the social, economic, and technological transformations of the Industrial Revolution, the growth of cities, and a shift in government policy towards more interventionist approaches to crime and punishment.