Salem Witch Trials 1692

Vocab Religious Fanaticism- with an obsessive enthusiasm related to one's own, or one's group's, devotion to a religion Scapegoat- A person or group that is made to bear blame for others. Mass Hysteria-a phenomenon that transmits collective allusions of threats etc., whether real or imaginary, through a population in society as a result of rumors and fear Bandwagon Mentality-people do something primarily because other people are doing it, regardless of their own beliefs, which they may ignore or override.

Not the First

Beliefs Puritans believed the Devil was as real as God. Satan would select the weakest individuals—women, children, the insane—to carry out his work. Those who followed Satan were considered witches. Witchcraft was one of the greatest crimes a person could commit, punishable by death

Theory#1: Fungus* Ergotism is caused by the fungus Claviceps purpurea, which affects rye, wheat and other cereal grasses. -Problem: The afflicted only acted out at convenient times, when people came to see them or others were around.

Theory #2 Economic and Social Divisions Salem Village was made up of mostly poor farmers Salem Town was prosperous

Theory #3 Puritan Children Children must behave Toys and games were sinful distractions Boys had an outlet Apprentices and recreation: exploring, hunting, fishing Girls were expected to stay home and help tend the house. i.e., cook, wash, clean, sew

Theory # 4 Religion and Witchcraft Because of their beliefs, that there was a God, there was also a Devil and if you did not live accordingly the Devil would enter you and corrupt you.

Relate to Today Laws to prevent: freedoms of expression, search and seizure, due process, self incrimination, rights of those accused, speedy and public trial, trial by jury, fines and punishments, etc.)

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