jack the ripper

jack

the ripper

the full story

index

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

life in whitechapel

the impact of the crimes

jack the ripper crimes

the five victims

theory of the assasin's identity

press and police answers

historical and social context

london, end of the xix century

historical and social context

Industrial Revolution in full expansion. Massive migration to London, a city in growing period.Very important social inequality: richness in the center and poverty in the sorrounding part of the city.

LOndon end of the xix century

London was an economical and social city, but it also is a city with lot of contrasts.The urban grown was disorganized and didn't have the most basic services.High criminal index in the peripherical neighborhoods, where living conditions were unstable.

life in whitechapel

Whitechapel was one of the poorest neighborhoods.Homes in poor condition, dark and poorly lit streets. High presence of sex workers and homeless people; constant poverty and violence.

The impact of the crimes

Collective fear among the citizens of London; growing social hysteria. Debate about public safety and the lack of police activity.Jack the Ripper have turned into a mythical figure because of the media impact.

Jack the ripper crimes

He has the same modus operandi in all his crimes:

• Cuts in the neck
• Mutilation in the genital and abdominal zone.
• Extirpation of organs
• Face desfiguration

He only did this in women that are dedicated to prostitution.

the 5 victims

The five victims were:

• Mary Ann Nichols.
• Annie Chapman.
• Elizabeth Stride.
• Catherine Eddowes.
• Mary Jane Kelly.

Most were vulnerable women in very difficult life conditions

press and police answer

Press exagerated jack´s the ripper image creating panic among the people.London police fought against lots of critics and had a lot of dificulties in the investigation.The lack of resources and effective investigation methods complicated the resolution of the case.

theory of assasins identity

One theory is: the assasin could be a person who knows very well the neighbourhood and how is the life in.But the identity still being an incongnite.