History and Social Science, Part 105
Question 1: Describe the history of the Salem Witch Trials.
Answer 1: During the 1690s in New England, there was still a strong belief in Christian mysticism. Many people were paranoid about spiritualists and mediums. This, combined with perhaps some local feuds, led to 19 women and one man being executed for witchcraft in 1692. Most likely, however, the accused individuals were only suffering from delusions caused by a kind of hallucinogenic bread mold (ergot). The witch trials only stopped when people in high places began being accused. The Salem witch trials tarnished the image of the clergy for a long time, and further contributed to a general relaxation of religious fervor in this period.
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Question 2: What was the Great Awakening?
Answer 2: The Great Awakening was a religious revival in New England in the 1730s and 40s. It began in response to the growing secularism and was aided by the recent migrations into the cities, where it was easier for large crowds to form. Jonathan Edwards was one of the most famous preachers of this time. The Great Awakening was the first mass movement in America; it helped break down the divides between the various regions of the British colonies and led to the formation of some new Protestant denominations. Though the Revivalists did not directly advocate the abolition of slavery, they did suggest that there was divinity in all creation, and that therefore blacks were worthy of being converted to Christianity.
Question 3: Define Bible Commonwealth and describe the political and intellectual life in New England.
Answer 3: The New England colonies started out as Bible Commonwealths, where Biblical law was local law, and a man’s standing in the church determined his political power. Over time, however, New England became more liberal, and politics came to be dominated by the wealthy men rather than by the church leaders. Life expectancy in the New England colonies became roughly what it is today. Education was valued greatly in New England, and the fact that most people lived close to a town made it possible for more people to receive an inexpensive training. Puritans believed that ignorance of God’s word could lead one to be tricked by the devil, and thus they made sure that all of their children learned to read.
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