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Background Information for The Crucible
Use the websites provided in order to answer the questions about the Salem Witch Trials, and McCarthyism. I. Salem Witch Trials The Salem Witch Museum http://salemwitchmuseum.com/
1. How did the Salem Witch Trials begin?
2. Who was Dr. Griggs?
3. When was the first arrest and when was the last hanging of the Salem Witch Trials?
4. Who was the first woman tried and what happened to her?
5. What do “Oyer” and “Terminer” in Court of Oyer and Terminer mean?
6. Who were the “afflicted”?
7. How did the court decide who was a witch?
8. What is “spectral evidence”? When was it allowed?
9. What are some of the theories about why the girl made the accusations?
The Trial Transcripts of Some of the Accused: http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/salem/ASA_REC.HTM
1. Give one specific example of Sarah Good’s inability to prove she isn’t a witch:
2. Who does Sarah Good accuse of tormenting the children in her “Examination”?
3. What is the attitude of the examiner towards Sarah Good, even after she denies the accusations?
II. McCarthyism http://spartacus‐educational.com/USAred.htm?menu=USA
1. What was the original objective of the House Un‐American Activities Committee?
2. Who were “the Hollywood 10”, and what are they known for? (you don’t need to list the names, just explain the concept)
3. What was the blacklist?
4. What objections did the committee have to communism and communists?
5. What conditions were used by HUAC to determine membership in the communist party?
6. What was ironic about Joseph McCarthy’s crusade against “communists”?
7. Why was America so ready for communist hysteria?
Herb Block political cartoons http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/herblock/naughty‐naughty.html
1. What was Herblock’s opinion about Joseph McCarthy? How can you tell?
2. What are 2 specific ways Herblock mocks Joseph McCarthy in his cartoons?
3. Which cartoon do you think is the most effective? Why?
III. Now… What would you have done????
http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/media/salem‐witch‐trials‐interactive/?ar_a=1