The Salem Witch Trials: An Introduction to The Crucible

Uncover the Salem Witch Trials! Learn about Puritan life and the roots of mass hysteria.

Objective: 1. Identifying Puritan beliefs 2. Using context clues to identify correct terminologyDirections: Understanding Puritanism will help you to understand how mass hysteria and the Salem witch trials occurred. Read the following information about Puritan life. Fill in the blanks with appropriate terms using context clues.NOTE: type items in a series in alphabetical order. Pretend you live in America in the 1600s. As a 17th century Puritan, your life centers around the church, as it serves as the center of town and the place where news is received. Everyone must attend church on the sabbath because it is against the law not to attend. Men and women sit on opposite sides of the church and endure long services on hard pews. In addition to church on Sundays, family prayer is also important. It is recommended that your family hear the scriptures read twice daily. Every family member should also pray everyday, and the parents teach the Bible to their children. You believe just as much in the Devil as you do in God. All sins must be punished no matter how big or small, such as stealing food or sleeping in church. When crops fail or someone is sick, you do not help because you believe that it is God’s will and that misfortune is punishment for bad behavior. Your government is a theocracy, meaning that the government centersaround the church. It is the government’s duty to enforce obedience to God. Only church members can votein elections. Punishable offences include: theft, breaches of the Sabbath, blasphemy, murder, adultery, gambling, drunkennessand participation in theatrical performances. You dress in dark, somber clothing because it is dictated by the church. Plainness and simplicity are valued in religious worship, writing, and lifestyle. Individual differences are frowned upon. Men are stronger than women and children because Eve was the first to sin in the Garden of Eden. Women obey their husbands and do not voice their opinions because they are not regarded as smart. Children follow the same rules as the adults. They too attend long church services, do chores, and try not to show their emotions, such as anger, excitement, or fear. Children rarely play because toys and games are scarce and are considered sinful distractions. Young girls help their mothers tend the house, cook, sew, and wash. Boys, on the other hand, work as apprentices to learn carpentry, for example. They also are allowed to explore the outdoors, fish, and hunt. As you can see, your life as a Puritan would have been very different. Along with strict religion, you would endure harsh winters, droughts, failed crops, invasions, and illnesses. In the midst of these difficulties, the Salem witchcraft trials occurred. At least 150 people were accused of witchcraft, and 20 people were hanged. Salem Witch Trials Click on the hyperlink above to learn more about the Salem Witch Trials. It's about a five minute read. Then, answer the questions below. The History Channel: Salem Witch Trials In what year did the Salem Witch Trials begin? 1882 1692 1478 1751 The demographic of the accusers was: old white men minorities young women wealthy, middle-aged women If convicted of witchcraft, your fate would be: burned at the stake life in prison publicly hanged stoned to death How many were convicted and hanged during the Salem Witch Trials? 21 19 18 200 What factors created widespread anxiety in the Salem community? Check all that apply. belief in the supernatural and the devil after effects of war smallpox epidemic fear of Native American attacks suspicions and resentments toward neighbors rivalries with affluent community members fear of outsiders A scientific theory in 1976 cited that this substance caused symptoms of delusions, vomiting, and muscle spasms. opoids wild mushrooms ergot, a fungus found in breads crop fertilizers According to Salem doctors, bewitchment symptoms included (check all that apply): violent contortions unexplainable rashes uncontrollable outbursts difficulty breathing This accused witch confessed to witchcraft: Sarah Good Sarah Osborn Tituba Rebecca Nurse While the majority of the condemned were hanged, this person was pressed to death with stones. Sarah Good's 4-year-old daughter Tituba Martha Corey Giles Corey