Past due
For this essay, you will use material on this website: Salem Witchcraft Trials
On the website above, read Douglas O. Linder’s “An Account of Events in Salem.” You should also read and explore the links provided in the essay to familiarize yourself further with the events and people of 1692 Salem.
In 1692, nineteen accused witches were hanged on Gallows Hill in Salem, Massachusetts. Another, a man, 80 year old Giles Corey, was pressed to death by heavy stones after he refused to plead guilty or not guilty. At least four, and as many as thirteen, died in prison while they awaited to be tried for witchcraft; and two dogs were executed as accomplices of witches. Of those hanged, 13 were women and six were men.
The Salem Witchcraft Trials have confounded scholars and fascinated the public for over 300 years. These trials occupy a distinct place in American history. This seemingly inexplicable event erupted in a Puritan town located not far from Boston, a thriving port town. As quickly as the hysteria broke out, it ended. Historians have come up with numerous explanations for the outbreak in witchcraft accusations – everything from a campaign against women who did not fit into the Puritan definition of proper womanhood to an eruption of long-simmering personal and political feuds.
Read the documents provided on the website, paying particular attention to the documents in the “Examinations and Evidence” and “Petitions of Accused Witches” links. From your reading of these sources, what conclusions can be drawn about the events in Salem? What made the accused witches seem likely to be guilty of witchcraft? What types of evidence did the court use against the accused? What types of evidence did the accused present in their defense? What impact did the behavior and/or words of the accused have on the outcome their trials? Do you see emotion (hatred, fear, doubt) playing any role in these documents? Did physical violence play any role in the trials? Based on the conclusions drawn thus far, how do you explain the events of 1692 Salem?