impression of view

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Thesis

Crime rate in America increased at a higher rate in 1920s after World War 1 and this resulted introduction of harsh penalties to curb it. The author identifies the evolution of punishment as a way of reducing crime rate.

Main points

The article talks about the history of criminal activities in America from 1921 to 1940. In early 1920s it was difficult to maintain the law and order because the developing industries enabled criminals to escape (Miller 2). There were logistical problems to pursue criminals in a changing political, social and geographical landscape. Rural-urban migration increased crime rate in cities .The emerging threat from rise in crime led to introduction of state-sanctioned executions. In 1930s, FBI operations became international to trace criminals who escaped to other countries. During the 1930s, FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover introduced changes in the force which improved the fight against crime (Miller 14).

Evidence

In early 1920s there was increase in firearms and emergence of ford cars which were highly used by criminals to escape. A total of 199 convicts were executed in 1935(Miller 2). Some of notorious gangs included: Mafia, Ku Klux Klan and the infamous gang leader known as Capone. Kidnapping of Lindbergh in 1932 was evidence of rising crime rate.

Personal assessment

The article is informative about the history of crime and punishment after World War 1. However, it is giving more details about crimes committed than how punishment evolved over the period.

Works Cited

Miller, Wilbur R. "The Social History of Crime and Punisgment in America:An Encyclopedia." Sage Reference (2012): 1-2. Print.