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

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.

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