3. Exam Question – Who became vigilantes?
Level 1 – 1 – 2 marks. You describe simple statements that relate to the
question.
Level – 4 marks. You describe and explain key features using
examples to support your ideas

4. Why was the West so difficult to police?
Brainstorm

5. Why was there disorder in the West?
The huge area, and slowness of transport made ‘policing’ the West difficult.
Mining camps and cow towns were centres of lawlessness
Vigilantes (self- created policing groups) used violence and created terror
Gunslingers and gangs dominated many areas
Conflict on the range frequently broke out
Between cattlemen and homesteaders i.e. Johnson County War

6. Using source F and your own knowledge, explain the difficulties of keeping law and order in the American West.
Reward $5000
For the capture, dead or alive, of William Wright, better known as ‘Billy the Kid’. Age 18. Height, 5 feet 3 inches. Weight, 125lbs. Light hair, blue eyes and even features. He is the leader of the worst band of desperadoes New Mexico has ever had to deal with.
Source F – A wanted poster produced by the Governor of New Mexico, 13 December 1880
Level 1 – 1 – 2 marks, lists or describes key features without explaining them
Level – 5 marks, considers one factor and or mentions other key features (probably based on the source)
Level – 8 marks, explains more than one factor using examples from own Knowledge and the source.

7. What different types of crime existed?

13. By 1895 the problems
of lawlessness in the
West were gradually
being resolved…
but WHY?
By 1895 the problems
of lawlessness in the
West were gradually
being resolved…
but WHY?

14. Why had the American West become more peaceful and law abiding by 1895
Why had the American West become more peaceful and law abiding by 1895? What reasons can you think of? How do they link together? Which is the most important?

15. The Mark Scheme
Level 1 – 1 – 2 marks, answer describes general points, single factors or
Simple statements of knowledge
Level 2 – 3 – 6 marks, answer that talks about several factors, but no
Real detail or explanation
OR one factor is explained in depth and thinks about the
Importance of one factor.
Level 3 – 7 – 10 marks, answer explains several factors related to the
Question giving specific examples and details from own
knowledge or providing links between factors
Level 4 – 11 – 12 marks, same as level 3 but with a detailed conclusion
that clearly evaluates the importance of each factor or
summarises the importance of the factors involved.