Salem Witch Trials by Christopher Chewning

Background:

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In 1962 the daughter and niece of Rev. Samuel Parris of Salem Village became ill for a long period of time and were diagnosed with bewitchment by a village doctor. Their diagnoses began the accusations within the village which led to "witch hunting."

Betty Parris

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Many of young Betty Parris' (Samuel Parris' daughter) friends also presented some of the same symptoms that she herself was experiencing. Some of the symptoms they were experiencing were violent fits, fever, and violent convulsions.

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Linder, Douglas. "An Account of the Salem Witchcraft Investigations, Trials, and Aftermath." An Account of the Salem Witchcraft Investigations, Trials, and Aftermath. N.p., Sept.-Oct. 2009. Web. 29 Jan. 2015.

Zeglin, Sara. "The Salem Witch Trials -- National Geographic Kids." National Geographic. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Jan. 2015.

"The UnMuseum - Salem Witch Trails - Part II." The UnMuseum - Salem Witch Trails - Part II. N.p., n.d. Web.

Cellania. "Salem Witch Trials: The Fungus Theory." Neatorama. Neatorama, 15 Oct. 2012. Web. 29 Jan. 2015.

"Salem's Most Visited Museum." Salem Witch Museum. Salem Witch Museum, 2015. Web. 27 Jan. 2015.

Quintana, Alicia. "The End of the Salem Witch Trials." The End of the Salem Witch Trials. The Salem Witch Trials, n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2015.

The Fungus Theory

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The fungus Ergot, commonly found in wheat, which was grown in Salem, was believed to be a cause of the illness. After it is consumed it causes hallucinations and seizures.

The start

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The girls that became ill blamed Tituba, a slave from Barbados owned by the Parris family and two other townswomen for performing witchcraft. They were put on trial and then hanged after being found guilty.

Event:

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Salem Witch Trials were trials held in Massachusetts of people (mostly women) accused of witchcraft.

Jonathan Corwin's House (The Witch Trials Judge)

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Only structure still standing in Salem with direct ties to the witch trials & is used for touring.

Result of Accusations:

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Many people were thrown in jail and left unable to pay for their stay during the trials. The families being accused did not get along with the accusers in the community after the trials although some public apologies were made. Those who were convicted lost their land leaving their families in poverty. The trials resulted in a total of 24 deaths.

The Examination of an Accused Witch

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The woman had to strip down in order for the court to see if she was a witch with "Devil's mark upon her."

Tituba and the Children

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Tituba was The Parris' slave who was accused of being a witch and later admitted to practicing witch craft.