The Salem Witch Trials, Essay Example

In the modern day context Salem is an important part of early American history. It tells the story of the early Puritans that came to settle in New England from Europe. Conditions were extremely hard in these colonies and the rules that accompanied them were equally punitive. In the Salem witch trials the accused were given a hearing. During this period witches had forced confessions, a verdict was reached and then they were brutally executed. Execution often took the form of hanging or being burnt at the stake.

Today the people of Salem exploit these events by the sale of commercial products that reflect this brutal period of American history. There is no good reason to say that the people of Salem should not exploit what occurred in a historical context. This was part of the brutal living and rules which the Puritan people lived under. People need to be made aware of American history and the fact is that early settlement was hard, brutal and often bloody. The new arrivals from Europe brought with them harsh rulings.

Not everything in life is based upon fantasy and the softer images of Halloween and Harry Potter. Most western cultures, including the USA, have foundations in wars, cruelty and harsh religious sects. Largely based upon ignorance and incorrect interpretations of biblical readings. Much of these doctrines on witchcraft were brought about by the elders as an excuse to maintain order and discipline in the new colonies. The Puritans were influenced by the teachings of the Church of England but galvanised these into their own interpretations and rulings that would govern colonial life. Often the witch trials were induced by mass hysteria and both fear and ignorance of the people of this period.

There is not really a lot of difference between this sort of activity and those selling memorabilia of the Civil War in the USA. Although the latter derived more of a sense of purpose they were both bloody events in American history.