Exploring Puritan Life and the Salem Witch Trials: The Historical Context of "The Crucible"

1. Historical Introduction toThe Crucible Miss Glass 1 February 2011

2. Puritan Life In America Sought religious freedom • Separate from Church of England Theocracy: a union of church and state. Puritan Beliefs: • Predestined for heaven • Rigid rules and beliefs • To be different meant to be controlled by evil • Preached “fire and brimstone” • threatening punishment in the hereafter

3. Salem, Massachusetts • Northeast of Boston • Established: 1626 • Salem means “City of Peace” • Roger Conant and John Endicott

4. 1692 Salem History • A Great Divide • Salem Town: wealthy merchants; trade with London • Salem Village: poor farmers wanted independence • Salem Village divisions • Merchants vs. Farmers • Reverend Samuel Parris

5. A History of Witch Hunts • Definition of “witch” in the 17th Century • One who had made a pact with the devil (the Christian embodiment of evil) by exchanging soul for evil powers • Sin because denied God’s superiority • 16th and 17th century Europe: 1-9 million accused and executed • Practiced surviving folk customs from Pre-Christian times • Viewed as “heresy” http://www2.iath.virginia.edu/salem/bcr/salem/salem.html

6. A History of Witch Hunts • 1484: Pope Innocent VIII, Germany • Casting spells to destroy crops & abort infants • 1500-1660: Reformation in Europe • 50,000-80,000 suspected witches executed. • 1536: Henry VIII of England • Accused Anne Boleyn, of witchcraft • 1591: James I of England • Largest witch hunt in British history

7. Salem Witch Trials, 1692

8. Salem Witchcraft Trials, 1692 • How did it all begin? • Minister’s daughter and other girls were affected by seizures and fits of unconsciousness • No medical explanation • Tituba, Sarah Good, And Sarah Osburne named as witches • Tituba admitted to witchcraft • Girls continued to accuse • No proof other than someone’s accusation was required • Must admit to witchcraft, repent, and name associates • In the end, 20 people executed and at least 150 jailed

9. Connect to Communism • Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) • Investigated un-American & subversive activities • Late 1940s-1950s known as the “Red Scare” • Heightened fear of Communist influence on American institutions and espionage by Soviet agents • Senator Joseph McCarthy from Wisconsin • Claimed 200 Communists had infiltrated the US government

10. McCarthy Investigations • McCarthy led investigations • Mostly government employees, union members, writers, and entertainers • 320 artists placed on blacklist, which ended their careers • Hollywood Blacklist: “We will not knowingly employ a Communist or a member of any party or group which advocates the overthrow of the government of the United States” • Must name other members of the party in order to prove abandoned left-wing views

11. McCarthy’s Downfall • McCarthy began televised hearings into Communists in the US Army • “McCarthy has shown himself to be evil and unmatched in malice.” • McCarthy’s actions condemned December 2, 1954 • “Red Scare” hysteria calmed down

12. Arthur Miller • Born 1915 in NY • 1932: Graduate from Lincoln HS • Took two years to earn money for tuition • 1934: Enroll at University of Michigan • Began writing drama in college • 1947: All My Sons opened on Broadway • 1949: Won Pulitzer Prize for Death of a Salesman • 1953: The Crucible

13. Repercussions of The Crucible • After The Crucible, Miller was investigated for possible associations with the Communist Party • 1956: Married Marilyn Monroe • Marriage lasted 5 years • 1956: Called to testify before the House Committee on Un-American Activities • Never joined Communist party but advocated social justice and equality • Refused to discuss associates • Found in contempt of Congress