Background Notes on Salem The Crucible Background Notes on Salem

What Happened? 1689 – Samuel Parris hired as minister of Salem Village January 20, 1692, Parris’ daughter and several other girls become sick February – Dr. Griggs examines the girls and decides that they have been bewitched Feb. 29th – Tituba, Sarah Good and Sarah Osbourne are arrested for witchcraft. Tituba confesses to save her life and gives more names

What Happened? Over 150 people were arrested and imprisoned 5 died in prison 26 went to trial and were all convicted 19 were hanged and one was pressed to death. October 1692, the court was dissolved May 1693, Gov. Phipps pardons those who were accused and still living. Courts no longer allowed spectral evidence

Puritans & Life in Salem The wilderness was nearby seen as a place of the devil. It’s where the Indians live. Suffer Indian attacks Believed that God told them to settle here…they were to be the light of the world, a perfect society. They left for religious freedom, but persecuted anyone who had different beliefs here

Puritans & Life in Salem Belief in Predestination looked for signs of God’s favor to see if they were going to heaven or hell. Limited medical knowledge….many things that could not be explained by medicine were said to be caused by something SUPERNATURAL

Puritans & Life in Salem Their rules were strict, but as time passed and conditions got better: Some people wanted to loosen the rules Others felt they should remain strict This caused A LOT of tension in Salem Political Fighting Believed in the existence of witches Believed that the devil was everywhere

Puritans & Life in Salem Believed that women were more likely to be witches because they were more likely to sin Constant fighting over land boundaries Small Pox epidemic Political fighting between Salem Town (Merchants, Shipping) and Salem Village (Farming)

Salem Village vs. Salem Town Farming Less and less land available No Meeting House (Church) & have to travel to Salem Town Wants independence from Salem Town Merchants, Shipping Meeting House Political Power

Salem Village vs. Salem Town Village wanted independence from the town. Finally compromise allowed village to have own minister and meeting house, but they were still tied politically to TOWN Political Power

Salem Village vs. Salem Town Tension between rich and poor in village East Village: Rich land, roads, access to market West Village: Poor land, no roads, difficult to access market More prosperous with trade to Europe More $ = More Power = More Political influence Town collected Taxes from the Village

Salem Village vs. Salem Town Problem of “revolving ministers” Village supports Reverend Parris Factions develop in Village (Anti vs Pro Parris) Opposed Parris

Salem Village vs. Salem Town ANTI- Parris Villagers Small businessmen whose livelihoods depend on the Town Prosperous village farmers with access to town market, Most of the accused witches came from this group Why? Against Parris

Salem Village vs. Salem Town PRO Parris Villagers Middle income farmers and church members, poor farmers who were not church members leading citizens who make the accusations Why? Against Parris