11/19/14 Do Now: Homework: Take out: And pass forward your Salem 1692 Prove It!!! homework None Content Objective: Students will gain understanding of the Witch Hunt Research Project, The Salem Witch Trials and McCarthyism. Students will also use the presentation on The Salem Witch Trials and McCarthyism as a model for their “Photo Essay” Language Objective: Students will take notes on The Salem Witch Trials and McCarthyism using the Venn Diagram.

The Crucible By Arthur Miller . . . When History and Literature Collide

The Crucible is . . . Puritanism + Witchcraft McCarthyism Arthur Miller

Puritanism Christian faith that originated in England during the early 1600s Puritans believed in predestination They split from the Church of England in 1633 Many emigrated to the American colonies Their radical beliefs flourished in the new world

Witchcraft in Salem Like all Puritans, the residents of Salem Village believed in witches and in witchcraft. They believed that witchcraft was “entering into a compact with the devil in exchange for certain powers to do evil.” They considered witchcraft both a sin and a crime; it was a very serious accusation, which was carefully and thoroughly investigated.

Witchcraft in Salem The witchcraft hysteria began in Salem, Massachusetts, in early 1692. Reverend Samuel Parris’s daughter and Abigail Williams started having fits of convulsion, screaming, and hallucination. A doctor examined the girls and concluded that the only explanation for these bizarre behaviors was witchcraft.

Witchcraft in Salem A recently published book of the time detailed the symptoms of witchcraft; the girls’ fits were much like those described in the book. Therefore, the Puritans of Salem were quick to believe the doctor’s diagnosis.

Witchcraft in Salem The girls pointed fingers at Tituba (the Parris’ slave), Sarah Good, and Sarah Osborn, which sparked a witch hunt.

Hysteria (noun): exaggerated or uncontrollable emotion or excitement, especially among a group of people. Psychiatry: a psychological disorder whose symptoms include conversion of psychological stress into physical symptoms selective amnesia, shallow volatile emotions, and overdramatic or attention-seeking behavior. The term has a controversial history as it was formerly regarded as a disease specific to women. Witchcraft in Salem During the next eight months of terror, more than 150 people were imprisoned for witchcraft. By the time court was dismissed, 27 people had been convicted, 19 hanged, and 1 pressed to death. The hysteria that snowballed in Salem reveals how deep the belief in the supernatural ran in colonial America.

America’s development of the A-Bomb had given the U. S America’s development of the A-Bomb had given the U.S. a massive advantage internationally in the years following 1945. This came to an end in 1949, when the Russians exploded their own A-Bomb. How had the Russians been able to develop their own A-Bomb just four years after the USA?

The world eventually came to divide into ‘East’ and ‘West’, that is, between a Russian led pro-communist ‘sphere’ against a U.S. led pro-capitalist, pro-democratic camp

McCarthyism McCarthyism is the term used to describe a period of intense suspicion in the United States during the early 1950s. It began when Senator Joseph McCarthy, a U.S. senator from Wisconsin, claimed that communists had infiltrated the Department of State. A special House Committee on Un-American Activities was formed to investigate allegations of communism. During this period, people from all walks of life became the subjects of aggressive “witch hunts” often based on inconclusive, questionable evidence.

McCarthy constantly played upon American people's fears of the threat posed by communism Here he points to a map showing the threat posed to Asia by communist China.

“I have here in my hand a list of 205 names that were known to the Secretary of State as being members of the Communist Party and who nevertheless are still working and shaping policy in the State Department.”

McCarthyism Persons accused of being communists were often denied employment in both the public and private sector. In the film industry alone, over 300 actors, writers, and directors were denied work in the U.S. American writer, Arthur Miller, was one of those alleged to have been “blacklisted.”

McCarthyism McCarthy’s influence finally faltered in 1954 when a famous CBS newsman, Edward R. Murrow, aired an investigative news report which revealed McCarthy as dishonest in his speeches and abusive in his interrogation of witnesses. The public was finally made aware of how McCarthy was ruining the reputations of many individuals through false accusations of communism. Edward R. Murrow

Soon hysteria began to sweep through America Soon hysteria began to sweep through America. Not only State Department officials became victims but any ordinary members of the public who displayed Leftist sympathies. This included not only socialists but trade unionists, teachers and other groups. A Los Angeles car-worker suspected of Communist sympathies is beaten up by workmates.

“Are you now or have you ever been a member of the Communist Party?” Hollywood was one of the earliest victims of U.S. fears about the spread of communism in the post-war period. In 1947 H.U.A.C. [The House of Un-American Activities Committee, first established in 1937] investigated the loyalty of Hollywood screenwriters, actors and directors. Ten cited the ‘First Amendment’ and refused to testify. Hollywood chiefs had them ‘blacklisted’ and they were forced out of the film industry. This raised the issue of freedom of conscience in the USA.

Arthur Miller 1915-2005 American Playwright and Writer In 1953 he wrote The Crucible, which uses the Salem witchcraft trials of 1692 to attack the anti-communist “witch hunts” of the 1950s. He believed the hysteria surrounding the witch craft trials in Puritan New England paralleled the climate of McCarthyism – Senator Joseph McCarthy’s obsessive quest to uncover communist party infiltration of American institutions. After the publication of the The Crucible, Miller himself was investigated for possible associations with the communist party. He refused to give information regarding his colleagues and was found guilty of contempt of court. His sentence was later overturned.

9,500 federal civil servants were dismissed 600 teachers were dismissed Hundreds of scientists and university teachers lost their jobs 15,000 federal civil servants resigned while under investigation 300 were blacklisted in films, television and radio. 2000 industrial workers were fired 500 were arrested for deportation because of their political beliefs 3,800 seamen were fired 500 state and city employees were sacked

Why did so many people believe McCarthy? McCarthy came across as a patriotic politician fighting dangerous traitors. A defender of American values. Many Americans felt communism would replace democracy in America. Cold War fears – the growing influence of Communism seemed to support his accusations McCarthy’s explanations seemed to be backed up by evidence eg. the atomic spies the Rosenburgs McCarthy’s accusations seemed to explain the many set backs experienced by the USA in the immediate post-war period.

What were the effects of McCarthyism on U.S. society? Created political divisions between L. and R. Created a climate of fear Victims lost their jobs, isolated by their neighbours, family splits. Threatened American values of free expression and democracy Weakened government by victimising officials Weakened labour unions in U.S.A. Impact of television: TV was now seen as an influential news medium. The U.S. unity of World War 2 now became fractured on political lines.