This assignment is an exercise in investigative historical research.
Read Chapter 2 in the Jennifer D. Keene et al Visions of America textbook, especially sections 2.2 and 2.5, for a general overview and background information on Puritan New England and the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Next, consult the following webpages:
http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/salem/salem.htm
http://etext.virginia.edu/salem/witchcraft
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/features/97/salem
– Sociological Explanations
http://www.salemwitchtrials.com/salemwitchcraft.html In a well-constructed essay answer the following question:
To what extent was the Salem witchcraft hysteria a reflection of Puritan attitudes toward women?
The paper (not including the title page or bibliography) should be at least three (3) pages in
length (typed, 12-point font, double spaced). It must be printed; no electronic version will be
The paper must have parenthetical citations for all facts and quotes. Use only the sources listed
above. The paper must also have a bibliography using The Chicago Manual of Style.
