Help!! does anyone know about the salem witch trials ?
The Salem witch trials occurred in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692 after what we now know was mass hysteria on the part of several young girls in the community. The belief in, and fear of witches was so strong at that time and it only required an accusation of witchcraft for a person to be arrested. once the accusation was made, evidence was found to support the accusation. In this particular case, 19 people were ultimately hanged and another died from torture applied to exact a confession. Many years later, the judge who presided at the trial regretted the outcome and wished he had done more to prevent the accused persons from being found guilty. It is from this episode that we get the word “witch hunt” During the communist “witch hunts” in the 50’s led by McCarthy, Arthur Miller wrote a play “The Crucible” based on the Salem Witch Trials. It is well worth reading for both its historical and educational value.
