This research covers the comparison (comparing) of the Salem witch trials and the McCarthy hearings. Back in the 17th century, Americans believed in witchcraft. For example, if a cow is sick or unfavorable weather, blame was on witchcraft. As a result, witches were immensely feared. The penalty for witchcraft was hanging unless the accused mentioned other witches. The Salem witch trials lasted between 1692 and 1693. During this time, the accused were prohibited from accessing legal counsel. Judgment was solely based on provided evidence. McCarthy hearings originated from Senator Joseph McCarthy in 1950 when he claimed having a list of communists. The term McCarthyism arose from his style of heavy interrogation and questioning the loyalty of those criticizing him. McCarthyism did not support communism.
comparing Salem witch trials and McCarthy hearings
SIMILARITIES BETWEEN SALEM WITCH TRIALS AND MCCARTHY HEARINGS
There are various between the Salem witch trials and the McCarthy hearings. The first is that in both, there is fear. In the Salem community, the belief that the devil gave some people supernatural powers created fear. Two hundred people were convicted, and twenty executed. Similarly, fear is evident during McCarthyism from the fear of communist infiltration. Those associated with communism were terminated from their jobs and socially disregarded. Secondly, injustice was prevalent in both eras. During the Salem witch trials, witches were burnt. In McCarthyism, any claim of communism resulted in jail term. Lastly, in both eras, the danger to the uncompromising pursuit of one’s belief is depicted. This is because, in both eras, people turned their backs on the accused.
similarities between Salem witch trials and McCarthy hearings
SYMBOLISM IN SALEM WITCH TRIALS AND MCCARTHY HEARINGS
Many events from the Salem witch trials symbolize events that occurred during the McCarthy hearings. One, the accusation of witches without substantial evidence symbolizes McCarthyism of innocent people imprisonment. Second, refusal to interrogate witnesses of accused during Salem witch trials symbolizes McCarthy’s passionate desire to end communism. Thirdly, forcibly forcing accused to provide other names symbolizes McCarthyism when people were pressured to name communist. Fourth, fear of people testifying during Salem trials symbolizes McCarthyism when innocent people were imprisoned from not testifying. Finally, listing other people to prevent persecution symbolizes senator McCarthy pressuring naming to save themselves. People like Arthur Miller, who refused to provide names, were blacklisted career-wise.
symbolism in Salem witch trials and McCarthy hearings
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