Crucible Vs Mccarthyism Research Paper

History is known to repeat itself; for example, the Salem Witch Trials to McCarthyism. The Crucible, written by Arthur Miller, takes place during the Salem Witch Trials. Miller wrote this at a time when McCarthyism was at its peak and like the Salem witch trials, people were accused and convicted of crimes they had not committed. As The Crucible was written to criticize events in the early 1950s, we can see that the Salem Witch Trials and McCarthyism have many similarities as well as key differences. These comparisons will show how The Salem Witch Trials was a harsher period in history. McCarthyism and the Salem witch trials both fueled mass hysteria which led to the unwarranted ostracization of innocent individuals, while both lacked proper

The specter of the witch could pinch, bite, or choke its victims, or otherwise harass them while the witch remained in a remote location.” (Nathan Dorn) Accused were tried in court where the use of spectral evidence, based on dreams or visions, was common. If they did not admit guilt and give names of others who practiced, they would be killed for their crimes. If a person did admit guilt to surviving, they would be outcast from the community, including their friends and family. These events were powered by the rising fear of the supernatural, specifically the devil, that was surfacing in colonial New England as well as tensions of puritan life. A similar hysteria occurred in America during the Cold War, when fears of communists infiltrating the government were high. The hysteria was fueled by powerful people like Joseph McCarthy who issued investigations and charges, based on hearsay, against people who disagreed with his opinion. “Despite a lack of any proof of subversion, more than 2,000 government employees lost their jobs as a result of McCarthy’s investigations.” (Joseph

While those accused of being communist sympathizers lost jobs, some accused witches lost their lives. This extreme punishment was carried out through hangings and in some cases, pressing by stones. “Five more people were hanged in July; five in August and eight more in September. In addition, seven other accused witches died in jail” (Salem Witch Trials) A total of 200 people were accused of witchcraft and 20 killed during the span of the Salem witch trials. While individuals were not executed, victims of the McCarthy era faced severe consequences nonetheless, with over 2,000 losing jobs and reputation. Both those accused of communism and witchcraft were ostracized from their communities, but as those accused of communism had already established themselves, they could still continue their lives elsewhere. McCarthyism and the Salem witch trials both reflected what society feared at the time, but it can be seen how punishments for suspected witches were harsher. In conclusion, although the Salem witch trials and McCarthyism were very different periods of time, they share notable similarities in that of fueling mass hysteria, unjust accusations, and lack of proper