ABSTRACT
This chapter is about crime, rebellion and punishment in the history of Europe, and particularly about those who were cast out and persecuted and those who used violence against the powers. The study of these topics provides an interesting window into the history of Europe. The topics can be powerful contexts for teaching historical thinking and reasoning skills and enrich the mainstream narratives that are often taught in the history classroom with experiences and perspectives of ordinary people and marginalized groups. Furthermore, teaching about these topics can promote reflection on enduring and moral issues. The first part of the chapter discusses major changes in what was considered crime and ways of punishment, persecution of different groups, such as vagabonds and people accused of heresy and witchcraft. Furthermore, it will discuss the use of violence against the authorities, for example in peasant and urban uprisings, uprisings of enslaved people, and different waves of terrorism. The second part of the chapter discusses approaches to teach about these topics.
