How and why did crime change in industrial Britain?
No. of thefts and violent crimes
Source 1: A graph showing trends in crime, 1750-1900
1750
1800
1850
1900
Background Information Population – in 1750 there were 9.5 million people in England and Wales. By 1850 there were 27 million. By 1900 there was 40 million. London was the biggest city in Europe. Its population quadrupled: 1760 = 750,000, 1860 = 3 million, Harvests – if the harvest was bad then the poor were in danger of starvation. Hunger can make many people turn to crime. By 1900 food could be imported cheaply and quickly from abroad thanks to changes in transport. Communications – there were more opportunities for crime with ships, warehouses, barges, wagons and trains to be burgled – and provide a fast getaway! By 1900 the first cars appeared and telegrams whizzed along the wires carrying news faster than ever before. Towns and cities – when people flocked to overcrowded towns looking for work, family life was disrupted and people lost the controls and support of family and village. By 1900 living conditions were beginning to improve. Governments – until 1829 London had no police force. Governments began to think about reforms, which they hoped would improve the country by dealing with crime. After 1885 most men were able to vote and only 5% of the population could not read/write. Work – in 1750 most people worked by farming the land. By 1850 most people worked in factories, mines or offices. Hours were long and working conditions were harsh. Jobs were uncertain and poverty was close by. Crime could offer an easier alternative to honest, hard work. By 1900 working hours were a bit shorter and there was some improvement in working conditions.