Do now: Write a min of 4 lines: What causes hysteria?
How can widespread hysteria be problematic?
** Hysteria is defined as an exaggerated or uncontrollable
emotion or excitement, especially among a group of
people. Behavior may even lead to widespread panic.
***********Turn in your homework.***************
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Today, we will discuss mass hysteria and historical cases,
i.e. Salem. We will compare historical examples of mass
hysteria to the contemporary. We will also discuss and
compare the colonies of New England.
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Mental illness
Physical illness
Stress/anxiety
Lack of information
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“War of the Worlds” – Aired on the radio, 30 October
1938; adapted from a novel written by H.G. Wells.
Invasion of the Martians, presented in a series of news
bulletins.
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People that tuned in late didn’t know it was a fake broadcast
for entertainment.
Caused mass hysteria throughout the U.S., especially
in New York and New Jersey.
example of war of worlds
War of the Worlds
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Belief that the USA was being overrun by
undercover communists. This was during the
earliest part of the Cold War.
Americans were encouraged to spy on their
neighbors and report suspicious or unAmerican behavior to the government.
Led to 10,000s of people losing their jobs; 1000s
imprisoned or deported.
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Who: The people of Salem village, mainly children
and social outcasts
What: People allegedly fell under demonic
possession. Victims became hysterical and spoke
in tongues…
When: Mainly January and February 1692
Where: Salem village, present-day Danvers, MA
Why: ?
How: ?
Salem Witch Hysteria
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Puritans believed in original sin.
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Life as a child was not FUN 
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You were viewed as another laborer that was
riddled with sin; worst yet you didn’t
understand how to properly cleanse yourself
spiritually. Easy prey for the devil 
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People of New England were involved in the “2nd Indian
War”, i.e. King Williams’ War fought between the
Wabanaki Confederacy+ French vs. Iroquois
Confederacy + British.
Salem village and Salem town had a long history of
“quarrels”
Key players: Rev. Parris, Betty Parris and her cousin
Abigail Williams, and Tituba (slave from the Caribbean)
Over 50 people admit to being witches
20 people are hanged
The governor’s wife (Mrs. Phips) is accused and he helps
put an end to the hysteria.
Use of spectral evidence helped convict many of
the “witches”: Hearsay.
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H1N1 Virus = Swine Flu
Ebola  Thomas Frieden Director of the CDC
“… We don`t want to cause or create large
amounts of panic…”
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“City upon the hill,” founded for religious
freedom –Puritans
All men who were church members elected the
governor and General Court. (Representative
form of government)
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Founded by Thomas Hooker, a Puritan minister.
Believed the governor and other officials had too
much POWER.
Fundamental Orders of Connecticut: all men who
were property owners could vote and restricted
the governor’s power.
Became a separate colony in 1662.
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Founded by Roger Williams, a young minister from Salem.
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Also, believed the church had too much POWER.
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Believed firmly in the separation of church and state
(perhaps he was a Pilgrim in a previous life, don’t write this
part).
Role of the state was to maintain peace and order, not
support a particular church.
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Supported religious TOLERATION
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All white men can vote.
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Religious freedom
Separation of Church and State
Democratic ideals (town meetings)
Representative governance
Restriction of the executive’s power (governor).
Hatred of taxation without representation.
Persecution