Salem Witch Trials 1692 Vocab Religious Fanaticism with

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 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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