Bring history to life with this engaging informational text on witchcraft accusations and torture in Puritan New England! This article and comprehension activity explores how accusations of witchcraft were handled during the Salem Witch Trials and beyond. Students will also learn about the common torture devices of the time—used to extract (often false) confessions—and gain insight into the fear and hysteria that shaped this period. Perfect as a supplement to Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, or as part of an Early American literature or history unit.

Why Teachers Love It

• Provides essential historical context for The Crucible
• Sparks discussion on justice, fear, and power in early America
• Connects history to literature with engaging nonfiction text
• Flexible for independent work, small group use, or whole-class discussion
• Saves prep time with ready-to-use article, questions, and answer key

What’s Included

• 1-page informational article: Witchcraft Accusations & Confessions in Puritan New England
• 1-page list of torture devices with descriptions
• 1 page of comprehension and analysis questions
• Answer Key
• Formats: Printable PDF + Digital

Why It Works
This resource helps students make powerful connections between history and literature, showing how real-world fear and injustice inspired Miller’s The Crucible. By exploring both the social dynamics of accusations and the brutal practices used to secure confessions, students gain deeper insight into this dark period of history.