Question

What was an impact of the Salem witch trials?

Answer 1

From a theoretical or intellectual historian's point of view, Salem shows the danger of homogeneous social setting committed to a singular notion of the good. The impact of Salem might have been negligent in terms of pure history. Yet, in tracing the development of American consciousness and how one understands what it means to be "American," Salem plays a significant function. The notion of a social and political climate dominated by fear and silence, as opposed to vocal advocacy and the spirit of dissent can only lead to bad things. America, consciously or not, used the moment of Salem to define itself as standing against these values. When America has reverted back to Salem form, "bad things" have not been far off the pace, and a corrective measure has taken place afterwards to ensure that a spirit of free discourse, heterogeneity, and individual dissent remains as part of the blueprint of American identity. http://www.enotes.com/homework-help/what-were-effects-salem-witch-trials-american-172709