The document summarizes the Salem Witch Trials that took place in 1692 in Salem, Massachusetts. It describes how accusations of witchcraft led to trials that were unfair, with no proof required to convict. Over 185 people were accused of witchcraft, with 31 being convicted and 19 put to death, mostly women. The trials ended after the summer of 1692, with those accused eventually being pardoned.

1. By:
Amanda Ryan
Arika McLean
Christopher Connick

2. The Tragedy

 In 1692, a horrible fear gripped the settlement of
Salem. The citizens believed that their daughters
were being influenced by witches; thus the now
famous Salem Witch Trials were born.

3. Where is Salem?

 Salem is in the state of
Massachusetts.
 At the time of the witch
trials, the city was just a
developing town.

4. Society at the Time

 People were frightened
of what they did not
know.
 They turned to the
church for answers.
 As a result, the church
was very influential on
the people.

5. Accusations

 The first accusations of
witchcraft were made
shortly after an incident
during mass.
 Daughters of
prominent men in
Salem began pointing
the finger at those
around them.

7. Stereotyping

 Traits of a witch:
 Woman
 Elderly
 Poor
 Ugly
 Antisocial or different
 Kept cats

8. Who was Accused? Men

Women
Accused
(185)
44 141
Tried
(59)
7 52
Convicted
(31)
5 26
Put to Death
(19)
5 14

9. The Trials

 The “trials” were not
fair. Confession or not,
you were guilty.
 During a trial, anything
could be stated and
taken as truth. No Proof
was necessary.

10. Torture and Confessions

 If no confession was given,
one would be coaxed out of
you.
 Public humiliation was a
very popular form of
torture.
 Tests were also performed,
like the floating test.

11. Conviction

 Convicted witches were
put to death.
 Witches were hanged in
Salem, never burned
alive.

12. The Aftermath

 After the summer of 1692,
the trials officially ended.
 The accused were
eventually pardoned.
 There is no one fully
accepted belief as to how
the trials started.
 There are many theories,
such as ergot poisoning.

13. Thank You