Salem Witch Trials
Research Activity
Why study the Salem Witch Trials?
Topic Ideas
The Crucible
1. In how many countries has this play been performed?
2. What awards has it won?
3. Who has played different roles?
4. What has been edited or changed in different versions?
Innocent Lives Lost
1. Describe The Salem Witch Trials of 1692 and 1693.
2. How was witchcraft viewed in 17th century New England?
3. What caused The Salem Witch Trials?
Puritans
1. Describe the Puritans and their beliefs.
2. The Puritans believed in Predestination. What was this?
3. Puritans created the first formal school in this country. Describe the school system established by the Puritans.
Arthur Miller
1. Who was Arthur Miller? (Provide background information.)
2. Why did Miller write The Crucible?
3. What else has he written or done?
Joe McCarthy and McCarthyism
1. Who was Joe McCarthy? (Provide background information.)
2. What was McCarthyism?
3. Describe the Army-McCarthy Trials.
The Red Scare
1. What was The Red Scare? (Provide background information.)
2. Why were Americans scared of Communism?
3. What led to The Red Scare?
House Un-American Activities Committee
1. What was the purpose of this group?
2. When and why was this group started?
3. In the 1940s and 1950s, why did the HUAC go after people who worked in Hollywood?
1. Describe the blacklists and the impact felt by those who were on the list and accused?