The Salem Witch Trials of 1692

http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Academy/5064

Theme: Educational
Purpose: To provide a brief outline of the events of the Salem Witch Trials, their origins, and their subsequent impact on American social and political thought.
Author: unknown
Design Elements: 4 graphics (2 headstones, 1 sketch and 1 of wax museum trial) , 3 links (salemweb.com, salemtarot.com, and salemwitchtrialpictures.com)
Special Features: none
Authenticity: 4
Accuracy: 2
Navigability: 4
Scope: Looks at the Salem Witch trials from a broad perspective of social and political thought at the time of the trials, as well as the trial's parallels with more recent historic events.
Overall Rating:

Abstract:

This page attempts to provide a broad overview of the Salem Witch Trials' causes, and subsequent effects in the realm of political and social thought. It states that the trials were a direct result of the "ignorant courage" and superstition of early settlers in 17th century New England. The text also provides the basis by which the trials were held in the court of Oyer and Terminer, as well as the contemporary definition of a "witch". There is a focus on the unsubstantiated and inaccurate involvement of Tituba as the first of the accusers, as well as her alleged palmistry lessons to the accusing girls. Finally, the site focuses on the more current parallels in American history to the hysteria seen in Salem back in 1692, such as McCarthyism and the Red Scare. The site draws on works by Levins (What Happened In Salem?) and Dudley (Opposing Viewpoints in American History). Overall, the site makes some valid points, but fails in accuracy of the details concerning the actual Salem events.

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