How far do you agree that the most significant reforms to prisons happened in the Industrial period (1750 – 1900)?
Level
GCSE
Year Examined
2020
Topic
British History
👑Complete Model Essay
How far do you agree that the most significant reforms to prisons happened in the Industrial period (1750 – 1900)?
Introduction
The role of prisons has undergone a significant transformation, evolving from institutions primarily focused on punishment to places where reform is considered a crucial objective. The Industrial Period (1750-1900) undoubtedly witnessed a wave of substantial reforms in the prison system. However, it is important to acknowledge that the quest for improving prisons extends beyond this era, with notable changes occurring both before and after this period. While the Industrial Period marked a turning point, arguing that it witnessed the *mostsignificant reforms requires a deeper exploration of reforms in other eras.
Paragraph 1: Reforms of the Industrial Period
The Industrial Period saw a convergence of factors that led to major changes in the philosophy and operation of prisons. Firstly, the waning reliance on capital punishment created a need for alternative forms of punishment. As executions became less common, prisons transitioned into places for long-term confinement, making rehabilitation a more central concern. The tireless work of reformers like John Howard and Elizabeth Fry exposed the appalling conditions within prisons, prompting public outcry. Howard's meticulous documentation of prison conditions and Fry's advocacy for female inmates led to the passing of the 1774 Gaol Act, which aimed to address issues like overcrowding and lack of sanitation. Furthermore, this era witnessed the emergence of new prison designs, like Pentonville, built with reform in mind. These prisons embodied the principle of separate confinement, aiming to encourage self-reflection and discourage criminal association. The introduction of the treadmill and the crank as tools for hard labor reflected the belief that discipline through strenuous work could foster reform. The 1865 Prison Act further reinforced this approach by emphasizing hard labor and strict discipline.
Paragraph 2: Reforms Before the Industrial Period
However, focusing solely on the Industrial Period risks overlooking significant changes to the penal system in earlier centuries. The establishment of Bridewells in the 16th century marked an early attempt to address petty crime and vagrancy differently. These institutions, while serving as places of confinement, also aimed to provide work and skills to the poor, illustrating an early recognition of the need for rehabilitation. Similarly, the rise of transportation to colonies like Australia, while a brutal system overall, served as an alternative to the death penalty and offered convicts a chance at a new life. While transportation's effectiveness in achieving genuine "reform" is debatable, it did represent a shift away from purely punitive measures.
Paragraph 3: Reforms After the Industrial Period
The 20th century ushered in a new wave of reforms that further challenged the solely punitive nature of prisons. The Paterson Reforms of the 1920s, spearheaded by Alexander Paterson, placed a strong emphasis on rehabilitation. Paterson believed in improving prison conditions, fostering education, and providing work programs to equip inmates for reintegration into society. This marked a significant departure from the harshness of the Victorian era. However, modern prisons face new challenges, such as severe overcrowding, longer sentences, and stubbornly high recidivism rates. The 1990 Strangeways riot, sparked by inhumane conditions, serves as a stark reminder that achieving lasting reform is an ongoing battle. These challenges highlight that the reforms of previous eras, though significant, did not completely solve the complex issues surrounding prisons.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the Industrial Period witnessed a concentration of crucial reforms that transformed the prison system, it would be inaccurate to label it as the period with the *mostsignificant changes. The seeds of reform were sown before this era, and the quest for a truly effective and humane penal system continues today. Each period has grappled with the challenge of balancing punishment with rehabilitation, leaving its own mark on the ever-evolving landscape of prison reform.
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Introduction
Briefly outline the changing role of prisons from punishment to reform. Mention the Industrial period (1750-1900) as a time of significant change, but also acknowledge that reforms happened both before and after this period. State your overall stance on the question - do you agree or disagree that this was the most significant period of reform?
Paragraph 1: Reforms of the Industrial Period (Agreeing with the statement)
Focus on WHY this period saw major changes in how prisons were run.
⭐Decreasing use of capital punishment: Explain how the decline of hanging and transportation shifted the focus onto prisons as places of long-term punishment and potential reform.
⭐Influence of reformers: Highlight the work of John Howard and Elizabeth Fry in exposing poor prison conditions and advocating for change. Link their efforts to specific reforms, such as the 1774 Gaol Act.
⭐New prison designs and systems: Discuss the emergence of prisons built with reform in mind (e.g., Pentonville). Explain the ideas behind separate confinement and the use of the treadmill and crank as tools for hard labor and discipline.
⭐1865 Prison Act: Briefly explain the key elements of this act and how it further emphasized hard labor and discipline.
Paragraph 2: Reforms Before the Industrial Period (Disagreeing with the statement)
Provide evidence that significant changes to prisons occurred before 1750.
⭐Rise of the Bridewell: Explain the purpose of bridewells in the 16th century – how did they differ from earlier forms of punishment? Focus on their role in providing work for the poor and reforming petty criminals. Were they truly focused on "reform" as we understand it today?
⭐Transportation: While transportation declined in the Industrial Period, its rise in earlier periods WAS a reform in itself! Explain how it offered an alternative to capital punishment and provided opportunities for convicts in the colonies (though acknowledge the harsh realities of transportation).
Paragraph 3: Reforms After the Industrial Period (Further Disagreeing with the statement)
Highlight key reforms of the 20th century that shifted the focus of prisons.
⭐Paterson Reforms (1920s): Explain Alexander Paterson's emphasis on rehabilitation and improving prison conditions. Discuss how his work led to changes in prison life (education, work programs, etc.)
⭐Modern Challenges: Briefly address ongoing issues such as prison overcrowding, longer sentences, and recidivism rates. Do these challenges suggest that earlier reforms were not entirely successful? You could use the example of the Strangeways riot (1990) to illustrate this.
Conclusion
Reiterate your stance on the question. Did the most significant reforms occur during the Industrial Period, or were changes in other periods equally or even more impactful?
Provide a nuanced conclusion. Acknowledge that while the Industrial Period saw important changes, prison reform is a continuous process with both successes and setbacks.
Extracts from Mark Schemes
Punishments of Offenders: Change or Continuity?
Answers may be awarded some marks at Level 1 if they demonstrate any knowledge of punishments of offenders in any period. It is possible to reach the highest marks either by agreeing or disagreeing or anywhere between, providing the response matches the level description. BUT, to achieve the two highest levels, answers must consider at least one period outside industrial Britain 1750-1900, even if the response goes on to argue that the most important changes took place between 1750-1900. Answers are most likely to show understanding of the second order concepts of change, continuity and significance but reward appropriate understanding of any other second order concept.
Grounds for Agreeing:
With the reduction of hangings and transportation from 1800, the role of prisons became much more important. The work of reformers like John Howard and Elizabeth Fry encouraged attempts to reform prisons. New prisons were built to promote reform, and the 1923 Gaol Act contained important reforms such as the requirement for JPs to visit local prisons and the separation of women and men. The introduction of the treadmill and the crank was followed by the 1865 Prison Act which emphasized...
Grounds for Disagreeing:
The increasing use of the bridewell from the 1500s demonstrates continuity in punishment methods. Twentieth-century changes, such as Paterson’s reforms from 1922 to make prisons more “as a punishment, not for a punishment,” highlight a continued focus on retribution. The recent overcrowding of prisons and the courts delivering longer sentences suggest a lack of significant change in the severity of punishment. The impact of the Strangeways riot could also be considered.