what is the historical relevance of the salem witch trails
2007-12-06 01:11:35 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
If nothing else, it shows important facts about human nature.
It demonstrates some of the issues that were important around the founding of the US. It shows how very ignorant people can choose to be. It shows how people respond in a mob, especially an angry/fearful mob.
2007-12-06 01:16:30 · answer #1 · answered by Yun 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Salem Witch Trials are an extreme example of "crowd
mentality." Why would adults listen to the rantings of teenage girls who were themselves caught practicing witchcraft?
It's very easy to point a finger of guilt, especially when there is
material gain involved. Apparently, there were two main groups who were in conflict with one another, & each had their own share of political power. The bottom line seems that the girls were encouraged to accuse members of the opposing group. They then would take control of their land & become powerful landlords. The insanity finally ended when the governor's wife was accused & this was found unacceptable. This is human nature at its worst!
Phyllis G.
2007-12-06 06:25:39 · answer #2 · answered by Phyllis G 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It really is a study in human nature, specifically mass hysteria and how "different" people can be persecuted for just doing something different.
2007-12-06 01:39:07 · answer #3 · answered by Terryc 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If we don't pay attention to our mistakes in the past we are likely to repeat them in the future. History tends to repeat itself when we don't pay attention and you only need to read newspapers & watch television to see it happen.
2007-12-06 01:21:19 · answer #4 · answered by MYRA C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
See below.
2007-12-06 01:17:00 · answer #5 · answered by staisil 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋