SALEM WITCH TRIALS The purpose of this webquest is to research the cause, events, and effects of the Salem Witch Trials.

BACKGROUND The Salem Witch Trials occurred in the town of Salem, Massachusetts from 1692 to 1693. This event was believed to originate from a town minister, Rev. Samuel Parris, who returned back to Salem from Barbados with two slaves, one of which was eventually accused of practicing witchcraft.

KEY PEOPLE Rev. Samuel Parris – a minister in Salem, MA Tituba – a slave from Barbados that allegedly practiced witchcraft Elizabeth and Abigail Parris – daughters of Rev. Parris; began mass hysteria by passing on stories told by Tituba of voodoo John Hawthorne and Jonathan Corwin – town magistrates that sentenced many accused citizens Sir William Phips – governor that eventually passed law to end trials Bridget Bishop – first victim of the Salem Witch Trials Giles Corey – the only victim of 20 that was crushed to death for refusing his initial sentence

IMPORTANT EVENTS Jan. 20, 1692 – Several young girls fall ill; concluded to be bewitched Jun. 10, 1692 – First execution occurred Sep. 22, 1692 – Last executions occurred (total of 20 people died) Oct. 29, 1692 – Gov. Phips dissolves Order of Oyer and Terminer, preventing further executions of innocent people Jan. 1693 – Last trial occurs May 1693 – Salem Witch Trials are put to an end

TRIALS & PUNISHMENTS During the Salem Witch Trials, 20 people were put to death; 19 were hanged, 1 was crushed to death. The first execution occurred on June 10, 1692, when Bridget Bishop was hanged on Gallows Hill. Eighteen other people were hanged that year. On September 19, 1692, Giles Corey was crushed to death for refusing to be put on trial.

AFTERMATH The Salem Witch Trials were put to an end in May 1693, when Gov. Phips ended the trials and pardoned the remaining suspects. Many people that were accused were still kept in prison. After this event, there have not been any witch hunts in America. Overall, the Salem Witch Trials were caused by the alleged bewitching of town girls and led to mass hysteria. Historically, no one in the town was cursed by witchcraft, and the incidents and executions could have ultimately been avoided.

SOURCES www.paralumun.com/ witchsalem.htm www.salemwitchtrials. com