Witchcraft in Salem - Commonlit

Front

What was a central idea of the Salem witch trials?

Back

The town of Salem believed it was being plagued by witches, and in their panic, they held a number of unfair trials.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

Front

How did the conditions in Salem contribute to the witch hunts?

Back

Salem was a strict religious community that had suffered many recent tragedies, creating an environment of fear and paranoia.

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CCSS.RL.7.9

CCSS.RL.8.9

Front

What is the author's point of view on the origins of the Salem witch trials?

Back

The author views its origins as unknown but explainable.

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CCSS.RI.7.6

CCSS.RI.7.9

CCSS.RI.8.6

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

Front

What was the outcome for those accused of witchcraft in Salem?

Back

20 people and 2 dogs were executed for the crime of witchcraft in Salem, and one person was pressed to death for refusing to testify.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.1

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.7.8

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.7.1

Front

What role did fear play in the Salem witch trials?

Back

Fear led to irrational behavior and the persecution of individuals based on unfounded accusations.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Front

What was the significance of the trials in American history?

Back

The trials are often cited as a cautionary tale about the dangers of isolationism, religious extremism, and the breakdown of due process.

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CCSS.RL.7.9

CCSS.RL.8.9

Front

What were some common characteristics of the accused in the Salem witch trials?

Back

Many accused were marginalized individuals, including women, the elderly, and those who did not conform to societal norms.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.9

CCSS.RL.8.9

Front

How did the community's religious beliefs influence the witch trials?

Back

The strict Puritan beliefs fostered a worldview where the supernatural was seen as a real threat, leading to heightened suspicion and accusations.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.9

CCSS.RL.8.9

Front

What was the role of the court in the Salem witch trials?

Back

The court often relied on spectral evidence and confessions obtained under duress, leading to many wrongful convictions.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.9

CCSS.RL.8.9

Front

What is spectral evidence?

Back

Spectral evidence is testimony that the spirit or specter of the accused was seen committing witchcraft, which was highly controversial.