by Alex Li

Created on: June 29, 2008   Last Updated: June 30, 2008

Mass hysteria, "a condition affecting a group of persons, characterized by excitement or anxiety, irrational behavior or beliefs, or inexplicable symptoms of illness" widely affects our perspective and behavior in particular situations (Mass hysteria 1). Mass Hysteria is caused by a general or overwhelming fear of someone or something. That fear is what makes mass hysteria possible. This fear is shown during the times of the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 and the Trial of Robert Roberson in 1994-1995.

Historically, there are many societal problems that cannot be avoided. One of these problems includes mass hysteria during the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 as well as mass hysteria during the Trial of Pastor Robert Roberson of 1994-1995. Both of these trials are similar, including the type of town in which they took place, the accusers, the power and positions that were at stake, and the aftermath. The Salem Witch Trials were one of the first forms of mass hysteria in America, which consisted of "organized" trials for the alleged witches. These trials were held against innocent people who acted differently in comparison to their neighbors. Because of the insanity that took place back in the 1600s, and the recent but enormously controversial trial of Robert Roberson, the phenomenon of mass hysteria is most definitely possible in our lives today because our attitudes and opinions towards certain events have not changed (Marvel 56).

Salem Witch Trials: Case Studies.
The Salem Witch Trials was a period, which irreversibly changed the lives of many. In order to comprehend the events of the Salem Witch Trials, it is essential to analyze the times that the witch trials took place. These trials were held in the small quiet town of Salem, Massachusetts. A recent smallpox epidemic and the risk of attack by warring Native American and French Indian tribes shaped the fear and suspicion of Salem's citizens. (The Salem Witch Trials) During the 17th century in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, there was a strong belief in the devil and supernatural powers. In addition, there were factions among Salem Village fanatics, and rivalry with nearby towns. With a strong belief in the devil and supernatural powers, anomalous people and bizarre looking individuals were falsely accused of being witches when something went wrong. Shortly, the local jails were filled with over one hundred fifty alleged witches from the towns surrounding Salem. Their names were "cried out" by young girls whom claimed

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