When:
1888
Where:
England, London, east end, Whitechapel
Why is historical context important
It helps us understand the world in which Jack the ripper lived in further helping us understand him/her
Living conditions
unhygienic crowded poverty- majority lower class alleyways no street lights (dark) narrow streets
time characteristics
not a lot of employment poor living conditions still developing low life expectancy lack of law sense of violence prostitution
Industrial revolution
the transition to new manufacturing processes
London in the industrial revolution:
life was difficult for factory workers; long hours, demanding physical labour
It made people rich but also worsened things for the poor
Population grew at a record rate
Modernised way to do things; massive factories, machines
Exploitation of workers
homelessness
West end
rich people on top of hill more space cleaner nicer
east end conditions
human waste cover the streets plebeians no fresh air poverty orphans rats congested buildings poorly built Jack the ripper 'hunting ground'
East end life:
NOT ALOT TO DO People get drunk gambling fighting an environment with many serious problems