Background to The Crucible

Salem Witch Trials The Salem witch trials were a series of hearings before local magistrates followed by county court trials to prosecute people accused of witchcraft colonial Massachusetts, between February 1692 and May Over 150 people were arrested and imprisoned, with even more accused not formally pursued by the authorities. Fourteen women and five men were hanged. One man who refused to enter a plea was crushed to death under heavy stones in an attempt to force him to do so. At least five more died in prison. Despite being generally known as the "Salem" witch trials, the hearings in were conducted in a variety of towns across Massachusetts. The best- known were conducted by the Court of Oyer and Terminer in 1692 in Salem Town. All twenty-six who went to trial before this court were convicted. The four sessions of the Superior Court of Judicature in 1693, held in Salem, Ipswich, Boston, and Charlestown, produced only three convictions in the thirty-one witchcraft trials it conducted. By Cassandra and Alyce. Source: Wikipedia.

McCarthyism McCarthyism is a term describing the intense anti-communist suspicion in the United States. Communism is a socio-economic structure whereby the community works as a single entity for political ideologies. Who created McCarthyism? Originally created to criticize the actions of the U.S. Senator Joseph McCarthy, then changed to a general meaning (eg used against those opposing the US introduction of universal health care, considered a ‘socialist’ idea by some Republicans). When/where did it occur? Between the 1940’s and 1950’s in the USA. Who did it involve? The entity of the United States of America and all those accused of being communist or communist sympathizers who were subject to aggressive investigations and questioning before government or private-industry panels, committees and agencies. Why did it happen? Its aim was to condemn the supposedly nascent communist movement in the US. By Richard and Joseph. Source: Wikipedia.

Joseph McCarthy Joseph McCarthy was a US senator from The term ‘McCarthyism’ was named after him, one that refers to his hysterical, politically-motivated smear campaign, fueled by Cold War fears of communism, but based largely on unsubstantiated rumours and accusations. Miller himself and actor Charlie Chaplin were two high profile members of the ‘accused’. He even levelled accusations at other US politicians. McCarthy died in 1957 of acute hepatitis thought to be a result of alcoholism. The likely inspiration for the character Danforth (the Deputy- Governor) from The Crucible. By Rhiana, Carli and Armielyn. Source: Wikipedia.

Puritans Who were the Puritans and when and where did they live? A Protestant sect who broke away from the Church of England and other reforming churches. They became prominent from the 16th to 17th centuries. Eventually repressions of Puritans in England saw many leave and settle into wholly Puritan communities in “New England”. What did they believe in? “Purity" of worship, doctrine, and personal and group morality. According to Puritan belief, God has supreme authority over human affairs, as expressed in the Bible. Other notable beliefs include: an emphasis on private study of the Bible; the priesthood of all believers; simplicity in worship, avoidance of traditional holidays; and church observance on the Sabbath. Why did they come about? A movement developed within the Church of England based on the belief that the church had not reformed enough. They sought a ‘purer’ doctrine of faith and morality. A strange irony: in order to uphold their own religious freedom from mainstream churches, the Puritans were prepared to sacrifice personal freedoms even to the extent of risking rebellion. By Francesca and Teresa. Source: Wikipedia.