Answer:
Instances of highway robbery decreased as a result of the use of mounted patrols on major roads in the 19th century. The growth of the banking system also meant individuals carried less money on them which saw a deterioration in the use of highway robbery.
Explain why the problem of smuggling rose and fell in the period 1700-1900. (12 marks)
Awarded: 12/12
One reason for the rise of smuggling at the start of the 18th century was the introduction of import duties to more products. Although import duties were first introduced in the 16th century (creating the crime of smuggling), at the start of the 18th century, more goods, such as cloth, wine and spirits, were taxed under these import duties. Consequently, there was more profit to be made from smuggling and many smuggling gangs, such as the Hawkhurst gang, began to emerge on the scene, in a change from the previous period. Thus, the introduction of import duties to more products was a reason for the rise of smuggling.
Another reason for the rise of smuggling was the rise of gangs smuggling on a larger scale. This change meant that smuggling was better organised and harder to catch. The Hawkhurst gang, for instance, who operated between 1735-49, controlled large stretches of the south coast of England, operated in an organised manner, in secluded coves after dark. This made them very hard to catch, meaning they were able to increase their activities. Thus, the rise of gangs in smuggling contributed to the rise of smuggling in the period 1700 to 1900.
One reason for the fall of smuggling was the reduction of import duties. In the 1780s, PM William Pitt lowered import duties. They were then lowered again in the 19th century. This change meant there was less benefit to smuggling as lower import duties meant there was less profit in it. As there was less profit, smuggling as a problem began to fall. Consequently, the reduction in import duties is a reason for smuggling beginning to decline towards the end of the 18th century.
