Process Paper
Our first task for history fair was to figure out a topic. We looked through a list that consisted of various moments in history. We took note of anything that sparked our interest. Our top three choices were the Angel of Death, Berlin Wall, and the Salem Witch Trials. Each of these three topics had an interesting background, but the one that seemed to be the best choice was the Salem Witch Trials. It had instantly intrigued us by the peculiarity of the event.
To begin doing research on our topic, we met at the library and gathered multiple books about this particular event like “How History is Invented: The Salem Witch Trials.” We split up the books between each person in the group. At home, we would use the websites on the Internet to further investigate this chosen topic. For example, the website from the Salem Witch Trials Museum and localhistories.org provided answers to the questions we had. Our history teacher gave us a list of numerous websites to get reliable primary sources from. We received details about the punishments, events, how the trials started and ended, and what influenced the event.
We chose to do a website because we, as the newer generation, are more oriented with technology. Also, a website makes it easier to divide work efficiently between the whole group so we can simultaneously work on this project. We tried a few different formats that were provided by nhd.weebly.com until we came up with one that fit the theme of our topic and seemed to be appropriate to use. We used cooltext.com to make the title look nice. We looked at videos provided by history.com, which are included in the site. One of the members added music that went along with the creepy and unsettling mood of witches. As we did more research, we added more information, maps, and images to further enhance our overall site.
According to our research, the Salem Witch Trials relates to the themes of revolution, reaction, and reform in history. During the trials, people were unfairly accused for things that they never did and as a result, they were harshly punished. In the present, we look back and learn from the mistakes that have been made. For example, the Constitution talks about cruel and unusual punishments, right to a speedy trial yet fair trial, and innocent until proven guilty. Violations of these constitutional rights were shown in this event. When the trials ended, the people of Salem village had realized the misdeeds that they had done. They eventually repented on what they did and improved the way they conducted trials along with many other mistakes.
To begin doing research on our topic, we met at the library and gathered multiple books about this particular event like “How History is Invented: The Salem Witch Trials.” We split up the books between each person in the group. At home, we would use the websites on the Internet to further investigate this chosen topic. For example, the website from the Salem Witch Trials Museum and localhistories.org provided answers to the questions we had. Our history teacher gave us a list of numerous websites to get reliable primary sources from. We received details about the punishments, events, how the trials started and ended, and what influenced the event.
We chose to do a website because we, as the newer generation, are more oriented with technology. Also, a website makes it easier to divide work efficiently between the whole group so we can simultaneously work on this project. We tried a few different formats that were provided by nhd.weebly.com until we came up with one that fit the theme of our topic and seemed to be appropriate to use. We used cooltext.com to make the title look nice. We looked at videos provided by history.com, which are included in the site. One of the members added music that went along with the creepy and unsettling mood of witches. As we did more research, we added more information, maps, and images to further enhance our overall site.
According to our research, the Salem Witch Trials relates to the themes of revolution, reaction, and reform in history. During the trials, people were unfairly accused for things that they never did and as a result, they were harshly punished. In the present, we look back and learn from the mistakes that have been made. For example, the Constitution talks about cruel and unusual punishments, right to a speedy trial yet fair trial, and innocent until proven guilty. Violations of these constitutional rights were shown in this event. When the trials ended, the people of Salem village had realized the misdeeds that they had done. They eventually repented on what they did and improved the way they conducted trials along with many other mistakes.