The Salem Setting
Where did the Salem Witch trials take place?
In Salem, Massachusetts Bay Colony
Who was Ann Putnam?
A 12-year-old girl who accused many people of witchcraft.
Who was Bridget Bishop?
The first person tried and executed for witchcraft.
Why did the Puritans believe in witches?
They thought witches were helpers of the devil.
What happened after the trials ended?
The governor shut down the witchcraft court.
What year did the events begin?
1692
Who was Betty Parris?
Reverend Parris's daughter who became ill first.
Why was Bridget Bishop unpopular?
She owned a tavern and land and had married three times.
What did people think caused illness or bad luck?
The blamed witchcraft or the devil.
Did Ann Putnam ever apologize?
Yes, she apologized publicly in 1706.
Who was Reverend Parris?
The town's religious leader and father of Betty Paris.
Who was Titubua?
An enslaved woman in the Parris household who was forced to confess to witchcraft.
How many people were accused?
Nearly 200 people.
Why did Tituba confess?
Experts believe she was bullied into confessing.
What lesson can we learn from Salem?
Fear and suspicion can cause injustice.
Who were the Puritans?
A strict religious group who left England for religious freedom.
How many people did Ann Putnam Accuse?
At least 17 of the 20 people were killed.
How many were executed?
19 were hanged, and others died in jail or were tortured.
Why did people start confessing?
Admitting guilt often saved them from execution.
How can we prevent events like this today?
By standing up for others and avoiding rumors.
What caused fear to spread in Salem?
Strange behavior among girls thought to be witches.
Why might the girls have accused others?
They had been bored, traumatized, or seeking attention.
What was the turning point?
A convicted man prayed before hanging, showing doubt about the accusations.
What made people begin to doubt the trials?
When they saw accused witches praying to God.
Why do people blame others in hard times?
To find a sense of control during chaos.