POWERPOINT CONSOLIDATE
dsh8428
week5_salem.pptxSalem Witch Trials
and Groupthink
How was Groupthink involved in Salem Witch Trials
Invulnerability
Judges and lawmakers were the ones accusing and executing people but were free from corruption.
Morality
Villagers believed they were doing right in the eyes of God by hunting witches and executing them.
Stereotyping
Girls that “looked like witches” were put on trial.
Any women who acted differently were said to be “bewitched.”
Illusion of Unanimity
Villagers thought that the problems with witchcraft would end through the executions.
Direct Pressure
English law allowed for torture in order to make an accused person enter a plea deal or die.
Samuel Parris encouraged and pushed girls to accuse other girls of witchcraft.
Rationalization
Puritan villagers justified witch trials based on their religious beliefs and fear that the Devil was going to take over Salem. (Brooks, 2013)
Self Censorship
Anyone that spoke out against the witch trials were also put on trial and even executed.
Mindguards
Samuel Parris questioned anyone who disagreed with the courts. (Norton, 2011)
References
Brooks, R. B. (2013, August 18). Salem Witch Trials: Facts and History. Retrieved from http://historyofmassachusetts.org/the-salem-witch-trials/
Norton, M. (2011, November 2). Groupthink: Salem Witch Trials and Today. Retrieved from https://prezi.com/akkezoptguli/groupthink-the-salem-witch-trials-and-today/
