The Crucible – Journal 1

In no fewer than eight sentences, explain what you know about the origins of our nation. Why did people from Europe come here? What were they seeking? What did they believe to be important? Discuss. Also discuss what you believe they did right and what you believe they did wrong.

The Puritans & The Crucible

Leaving England

Catholic King James I was oppressing or crushing Puritans in the 1620’s.

Many Puritans decided to separate from the Church of England and leave for the New World.

The Puritan Plan for SuccessMost are families that come, but half die on the trip or are scared by the sight of wilderness.

Puritans agreed to live in an orderly society. Onlymale members signed an agreement called a covenant.

Puritan DevotionPuritans have been shown as very uptight but

Puritans were:Devoted to their God (they enjoyed good food, drink, had sex with their spouse, music but in moderation).

It was a crime if you did not attend church!

They worked VERY HARD!!

Strongly believed that they had a promise or covenant with God. If they followed it, they were saved; if not, they would face God’s punishment or wrath.

Massachusetts Bay Colony1629 the Massachusetts Bay Colony is given a Royal Charter.

A Royal Charter is a document issued by a king giving a person/persons a legal right to engage in business.

Puritans notice that under the charter’s rules they do not have to answer to the King of England.

Puritan Society Wives and children were expected to obey their husband/father. Men had all power in their society. Some female names were Be Fruitful, Silence, and Fear.

Children were expected to act like little adults. They had many chores and very little or no play time. They were always expected to obey their parents.

Puritan Society

Valued education because it was necessary in order to read the Bible.

Intolerant to those who challenged or opposed Puritan authority

Valued hard work, individual independenceand moderation

Crime and Punishment

Puritans believed in strict/harshpunishments for crimes.

Witchcraft and dancing were considered crimes in 1692 in Salem.

Religion And Witchcraft Puritans believed that the Devil was as real as God.

The Devil would choose weak individuals to carry out his work.

Fear of witches was common in the New World and in Europe. Witchcraft was a crime punishable by death.

Life in Salem In 1692 Salem was divided into 2 parts, Salem Town and Salem Village.

Ipswitch Road divided the areas. Many farmers in the village felt threatened by the wealthier townspeople.

Reverend Parris

Reverend Parris was a very stern Puritan who denounced the financial success of Salem Town.

He caused the divisions between the groups to increase and flamed the accusations.

Most accusations were made by the poorer farmers against the wealthier townspeople.

Senator Joe McCarthy

After the end of WWII, the Cold War started between U.S. and Russia. Russia was led by Communists.

Senator Joe McCarthy started a “hunt” for Communists in America in 1950.

Arthur Miller, author 1952 A friend of Miller’s was forced to testify and name other Communiststo save his career.

Miller goes to Salem to research his play, The Crucible.

Miller is called to testifyon his own behalf.