Syllabus Edition

First teaching 2024

First exams 2026

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The Impact of the American Civil War on Lawlessness (Edexcel GCSE History)

Revision Note

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Natasha Smith

Written by: Natasha Smith

Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett

How did the Railroad Impact Law and Order? - Summary

Railways helped the movement of people, goods and livestock across vast distances. This connected remote areas and increased economic growth. The railways also created new opportunities for criminal activity. Trains became targets for robbery and theft.

The Reno Gang were one of the most infamous outlaw groups of the time. They benefitted from the opportunities presented by the railways. They carried out a series of daring train robberies. The gang, led by the Reno brothers, targeted trains carrying valuable cargo. They would ambush trains in remote areas. Overpowering the crew and passengers, they stole goods and escaped before the authorities could respond.

The railways made it easier for outlaw groups like the Reno Gang to carry out their criminal activities. The Transcontinental Railroad passed through isolated places of the Plains. This made it difficult for authorities to effectively patrol and protect trains from robbery. It also made it more likely for criminals to get away with their crimes.

The Reno Gang's exploits captured the public's imagination. It contributed to a sense of lawlessness and insecurity in communities along railway lines.

Why did the American Civil War Cause Issues With Law and Order?

  • The American Civil War increased lawlessness in the West because:

    • Ex-soldiers who deserted the army formed criminal gangs

      • Many ex-soldiers could not find work after the American Civil War

      • The war traumatised many men

    • Confederate soldiers were angry at the US government

      • They did not agree with the dominance of the northern states over the federal government

    • Criminal gangs were armed and intimidating

      • Law enforcement was weak

      • Many local citizens complied with the gangs

The Reno Gang, 1866-1888

  • The Reno Gang are an example of ex-Civil War soldiers turning to a life of crime

A flowchart detailing the Reno Gang's train robberies, Pinkerton detectives’ involvement, captures, and vigilante justice leading to gang members' lynching.
A flow diagram showing the crimes and the capture of the Reno Gang

Examiner Tips and Tricks

A question could ask you to write a narrative account of law and order in the American West. A common misconception that students have is that a narrative account is a story. A narrative account answer should follow CHRONOLINK:

  • Put the sequence of events in chronological order

  • Link each section of the narrative to the next event that occurred. You should use linkage terms such as: 'as a consequence', 'this led to' or 'because' 

You should have three sections to your narrative. Each section should include specific knowledge about the events in the narrative. Your answer should include process words such as 'affected', 'increased' and 'worsened'. This allows you to move through the narrative and explain how key themes like tension developed through the chosen event. 

Was the American West Lawless in 1876?

The American West was lawless

The American West was not lawless

The American Civil War meant that the federal government did not have sufficient resources to deal with law and order

Even in the worst cow towns, murder was rare

A booming population meant that local law enforcement could not tackle the issue of law and order

Local communities worked together to catch and punish criminals

People in towns often resorted to private police forces like the Pinkertons or a tough sheriff. This shows that the people of the American West did not trust proper law enforcement

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Natasha Smith

Author: Natasha Smith

Expertise: History Content Creator

After graduating with a degree in history, Natasha gained her PGCE at Keele University. With more than 10 years of teaching experience, Natasha taught history at both GCSE and A Level. Natasha's specialism is modern world history. As an educator, Natasha channels this passion into her work, aiming to instil in students the same love for history that has fuelled her own curiosity.

Bridgette Barrett

Author: Bridgette Barrett

Expertise: Geography Lead

After graduating with a degree in Geography, Bridgette completed a PGCE over 25 years ago. She later gained an MA Learning, Technology and Education from the University of Nottingham focussing on online learning. At a time when the study of geography has never been more important, Bridgette is passionate about creating content which supports students in achieving their potential in geography and builds their confidence.