Syllabus Edition
First teaching 2016
Last exams 2025
Continued Lawlessness: Billy the Kid,1859-1881 (Edexcel GCSE History)
Revision Note
Written by: Zoe Wade
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
How did Billy the Kid Contribute to the Lawlessness of the American West? - Timeline & Summary
Billy the Kid, also known as William H. Bonney, was a notorious figure in the American West during the late 19th century. He contributed to the lawlessness of the West in several ways.
Billy the Kid committed numerous crimes. These included cattle rustling, horse theft and gunfights. He was known for his quick temper and willingness to resort to violence. His skill and attitude made him a feared outlaw in the eyes of many. Law enforcement was also scared of Billy. Billy likely bribed or corrupted the police to allow him to commit his crimes. Billy the Kid had a reputation as a cunning and elusive outlaw. He evaded capture and escaped from jail on multiple occasions. He and his gang created a network of hideouts across the country.
His story exemplified the many problems with law enforcement in the American West. Billy was a child of poverty who resorted to crime rather than find employment. He used fear and intimidation to get away with his crimes. The local law enforcement was too weak, filled with problematic lawmen who ignored the legal system. This created many issues with law and order.
Who was Billy the Kid?
Billy the Kid grew up in mining camps in New Mexico
Billy became a famous outlaw in the American West for:
His age
His gunfighting skills
For his young age, Billy had a long history of crime
Period | Crimes that Billy committed |
|---|---|
Childhood | At the age of 14, Billy was arrested for stealing butter. He began cattle rustling and stealing horses. Billy developed a reputation for escaping jail. In 1877, Billy the Kid killed his first person. He would end up killing 21 people |
Lincoln County War | In 1878, a war began between cattle baron John Chisum and settlers in desperate need of land, led by a rancher called Murphy. Chisum hired Billy to fight for him |
Aftermath of the Lincoln County War | One of Billy's friends died in the Lincoln County War. When the conflict ended, Billy vowed to kill everyone involved in the death of his friend. Billy gained a gang, had hideouts around the country and support from the local people |
Examiner Tips and Tricks
An exam question would not expect you to have in-depth knowledge of Billy the Kid's life. The examiner is testing you on whether you can explain the importance and consequences of Billy the Kid's actions. You may be asked to explain how Billy the Kid fits in the narrative of continued lawlessness in the American West.
What Happened to Billy the Kid?
After the Lincoln County War, residents of New Mexico wanted the violence to end
The residents elected:
A new governor
A new sheriff called Pat Garrett
Garrett's job was to capture Billy the Kid
A series of dramatic events led to the capture and death of Billy the Kid:
Garret tracked Billy down and arrested him
In court, Billy was sentenced to death
Billy escaped jail, murdering two deputies
Garrett found Billy at Fort Sumner
Garrett shot Billy rather than attempting to arrest him, resulting in his death
The Significance of Billy the Kid
Billy became famous across the USA
Newspapers and stories retold Billy's life story
The public saw Billy as an exciting figure
People with limited power in the USA liked how Billy had stood up against authority
The conflict between homesteaders and cattle barons contributed to issues with law and order
The Lincoln County War began because of the power that John Chisum held on the land
Billy was a hired gunman in the conflict
This made Billy's violence acceptable to those who supported John Chisum
Billy's story highlights the weakness of the justice system in the American West
The Lincoln County law enforcement was corrupt
They allowed Billy and his gang to commit multiple crimes without punishment
After Billy's escape, Sheriff Garrett shot Billy rather than return him to jail
Even law officials did not follow the legal system
Worked Example
Explain one consequence of Billy the Kid on the issue of law and order in the American West
4 marks
Answer
One consequence of Billy the Kid's actions was how it showed the weakness of law enforcement in the American West. Billy the Kid was a notorious outlaw who committed thefts and murders across New Mexico for many years without punishment. This showed that Lincoln County law enforcement was weak. It had multiple chances to bring Billy the Kid to justice but the law officials were either too corrupt or too scared to stand up to him. Therefore, Billy was able to be violent and lawless for many years before he was killed in 1881.
Examiner Tips and Tricks
In the American West exam, this style of question would ask you to explain one consequence of an event. The mark scheme offers 4 marks per consequence. To gain 4 marks, you should include:
The identified consequence of the event that is stated in the question
Specific own knowledge linked to the event that shows an in-depth knowledge of the period
Using the own knowledge to explain the consequence of the chosen event
This question has previously asked you to explain two consequences. In the American West exam paper for 2025, this question will ask you to explain one consequence. However, there will be two different "Explain one consequence of" questions each, worth four marks.
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