Lesson 17: 1700-1900 Punishments

• What belief did people have about human beings during the period 1700-1900?

  They could be rehabilitated and reformed
• How was religion challenged during the period 1700-1900?

  It was challenged further by science
• Who was Elizabeth Fry?

  • A key figure in prison reform
  • Investigated Newgate Prison in 1813
  • Wrote a report on women's treatment
  • Set up the Association for the Reformation of Female Prisoners
• What did Elizabeth Fry advocate for in prisons?

  Better food and clothing for prisoners
• What significant action did Elizabeth Fry take in 1817?

  She set up a prison reform association
• What was the government's goal regarding punishment compared to the Bloody Code?

  To find a more effective punishment
• Who was Robert Peel?

  A skilled politician supporting prison changes
• What influence did Fry and Howard have on the government?

  • They advocated for humane treatment
  • Their ideas led to prison reforms
  • They shaped public opinion on prisons
• Who was John Howard?

  A key figure in prison reform campaigns
• What did John Howard do to promote prison reform?

  Visited prison leaders to advocate for change
• What technological advancements improved prisons during this period?

  • Treadwheel for individual cubicles
  • Better building techniques for security
  • Sanitation and sewage systems for hygiene
• What did the Goals Act of 1773 ensure?

  All prisons were inspected
• What did the Gaols Act of 1823 mandate?

  Separation of prisoners into groups
• What was established by the Prison Act of 1865?

  New rules for all prisons and staff
• How did humanitarians influence changing attitudes towards punishment?

  • Advocated for fair treatment of prisoners
  • Promoted the idea of rehabilitation
  • Shifted public opinion away from the Bloody Code
• What was the crime rate in Britain by 1900?

  Increased from 5,000 to 20,000
• What economic factor contributed to the need for prison reform?

  Wealth from the Industrial Revolution
• What did John Howard want for prison staff wages?

  An official wage to prevent bribery
• What role did religion play in prison reform?

  • Howard and Fry advocated for Christian teaching
  • Belief that crime could be addressed through faith
  • Christian groups pressured for humane treatment
• How did the population change from 10 million to 40 million affect crime?

  Led to more criminals needing prisons
• What social issue contributed to the rising crime rate?

  Poverty despite Britain's wealth