A rule reveals a problem
A government’s response gives us clues. It does not tell us the whole story.
Start with the context
In England, the 1351 Statute of Labourers followed an earlier ordinance from 1349. The National Archives explains that these measures sought to restrain rising wages and workers’ movement. They also tried to stop employers attracting workers by offering better terms. This summary describes what the measures tried to do.
- Statute
- A written law.
- Wage
- Payment for work.
- Intended effect
- What an action is meant to bring about.
Aim 1
Place limits on what employers could pay.
Aim 2
Control movement from one employer or place to another.
Aim 3
Prevent employers from attracting workers with more generous terms.
Use the evidence
What problem did the authorities appear to be responding to? Link your inference to one of the stated aims.
Why would the existence of a wage rule not, by itself, prove that wages stopped rising?
Name one additional type of evidence you would look for to investigate the rule’s actual effects. Explain how it would help.
Close it. Recall it. Check it.
Cover the source summary. Explain the difference between what a rule intends and what a rule achieves. Give an example of evidence you would need to examine the difference.