READ: Puritans & Reasons for Witch Trials

Religious Zeal

Religion was important to the Puritans. Link to read about their religious zeal.  Zeal is defined as great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective. Religion was very important to these settlers and their communities.  As you read through this page, think about the role that religion played in the Salem Witch Trials. 

LINK to Life in Salem 1692

Economic & Social Divisons

Link to read this short excerpt about economic and social divisions in Salem.  Do you think that this economic and social factors played a role in the witch trials? 

LINK to read Economic & Social Divisions

Ergot Poisoning

Watch this video about Ergot Poising and the Salem Witch Trials. As you watch, think about whether or not you think that these girls were victims of food poisoning or that they were involved in a teenage girl prank that grew out of control.  

Scholastic - Action Magazine: What happened in Salem? from Blue Seat Studios on Vimeo.

After you have completed this part of the lesson, you can check the associated box on the main course page to mark it as complete

READ: Ann Putnam's Apology

Ann Putnam's Apology Statement

Twelve-year-old Ann Putnam was in many ways the leader of the “circle girls,” the young girls whose accusations sparked the Salem witch trials. By the time the witch hunt was over, Ann had accused 62 people. In the coming years, she would have a difficult life. Both her parents died, leaving her to raise her nine brothers and sisters on her own. But she did something none of the other circle girls would do—publicly acknowledge her role in the trials. In 1706 she stood before the church as the pastor read her apology. 

As you read this apology, imagine what you would say if you were in her shoes.  Is this apology enough? Was justice served?

After you have completed this part of the lesson, you can check the associated box on the main course page to mark it as complete