The Salem (and other) Witch Hunts

How did the Salem witch trials begin?

• A couple of young girls accused others of witchcraft.

• The town of Salem fell ill under a mysterious illness.

• The reverend of Salem saw witches dancing in the woods.

• A fire broke out in Salem caused by disgruntled witches.

The witch trials could best be described as...

• logical and calm.

• strange but harmless.

• odd but necessary.

• cruel and frightening.

When were people most likely to be accused of witchcraft in Salem?

• when something new happened in Salem

• when they appeared to be different from the norm

• when they expressed dissatisfaction with life in Salem

• when they committed a serious crime other than witchcraft

How were people controlled by witch hunts?

• with promises of power

• with strong leadership

• with reason

• with fear

What do different witch hunts often have in common?

 

• Witch hunts rely on creative thinking and technology.

• Important progress is made despite the loss of life.

• Guilty people are convicted alongside innocent people.

• People are unjustifiably persecuted and/or killed.

How did the attack on Pearl Harbor impact the United States?

• It strengthened national security against potential attacks.

• It created the fear that led to unfair treatment of Japanese Americans.

• It brought citizens closer together to support a common cause.

• It convinced the American public not to enter World War II

During the First Red Scare…

• members of the entertainment industry were falsely accused of being communists.

• members of Congress were falsely accused of being Communists.

• members of the entertainment industry were convicted of treason.

• members of Congress went to reasonable lengths to ensure that safety of Americans during the Cold War. 

How did Joseph McCarthy contribute to the Red Scare?

• He provided valid evidence that communists were in the U.S.

• He worked with Truman's administration to combat communism.

• He protected the U.S. from communist supporters.

• He accused people of ties to communism without evidence.

How were the witch hunts in the United States resolved?

• The accused attempted to blend in with the majority.

• The witch hunts were never again discussed.

• The U.S. realized the error of its ways and made amends.

• The U.S. apologized but maintained the necessity of its actions.

What do the 3 conflicts in America have in common?

• They were supported by reason and evidence.

• They were resolved with few consequences.

• They were all the result of racist agendas and policies.

• They were all driven by fear during a time of crisis.