Chapter 4: The Colonies Develop Section 1 Continued The Salem Witch Trials
Salem, Massachusetts 20 miles north of Boston Founded in 1626 Highly religious Puritan town Major seaport in the spice trade
HYSTERIA a state of extreme or exaggerated emotion such as excitement or panic, especially among large numbers of people
England – 1989 Los Angeles - 1992 Salem Witch Trials 1692
Examination of Sarah Good What evil spirit have you familiarity with? None. Have you made no contract with the devil? No. Why do you hurt these children? I do not hurt them. I scorn it. Who do you imploy then to do it? I imploy no body. What creature do you imploy then? No creature. I am falsely accused.
Chronology - 1692 Several town’s girls were acting “possessed” Determined by physicians to be under influence of Satan Tituba (a slave) is forced to confess that there is a network of witches at work in Salem Several are accused of witchcraft by members of the community Margaret Jacobs "... They told me if I would not confess I should be put down into the dungeon and would be hanged, but if I would confess I should save my life."
Court of Oyer and Terminer Rebecca Nurse "Oh Lord, help me! It is false. I am clear. For my life now lies in your hands...." Created by Governor Phips Compose of 7 judges to render decisions on those accused of witchcraft Based decisions on testimonial and supernatural evidence
Results Bridget Bishop becomes first execution 19 more would be executed Giles Corey was pressed to death for not answering charges All those accused (and still alive) are cleared of charges Puritan power decreases
Arthur Miller Directions: Underline the sentence with the answers to the following How many plays did Miller write? What ruined Miller’s father’s business? What was his most famous play? What play about the Salem Witch Trials did Miller write? What senator asked Miller to “name names?” What political party was Miller believed to be a part of? What war did Miller oppose in the 1960’s?