The Salem Witch Trials: A Dark Chapter in American History

The Salem Witch Trials of 1692 were a series of hearings and prosecutions of people accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts. The trials resulted in the execution of 19 people and were fueled by the Puritan belief in the devil and witchcraft. The hysteria began when two young girls exhibited strange behaviors, leading to accusations against local women, including Tichiba, an enslaved person. The trials highlighted the societal tensions and religious fervor of the time, with Salem's divided community playing a significant role in the events.

What was one of the reasons the court found people guilty during the Salem Witch Trials?

• Being a midwife

• Living alone in the woods

• Owning a black cat

• Inability to recite the Lord's Prayer

What was a significant difference between Salem Town and Salem Village?

• Salem Village had more churches

• Salem Town was more financially successful

• Salem Village was known for its trade

• Salem Town was located further north

What was a common belief among Puritans regarding unexplained events?

• They were acts of God

• They were caused by witchcraft

• They were due to bad luck

• They were natural phenomena

What triggered the mass hysteria in Salem in 1692?

• A series of mysterious deaths

• A foreign invasion

• The strange behavior of two young girls

• A severe drought

Who was the first person accused of witchcraft in the Salem Witch Trials?

• Rebecca Nurse

• Tichiba

• Bridget Bishop

• Sarah Good