Salem Witch Trials
From RationalWiki
The Salem Witch Trials were the only manifestation of the European witch-hunts within the "American Colonies." Despite the fact that they were a complete aberration in almost every way, they have attracted far more attention in the United States among those who study witches and witch trials than they would seem to warrant. The Salem trials were atypical in that a number of men were also accused, and in that those found guilty were all hung to death, rather than burned. (One man who refused to confess or plead innocence, knowing that either way his land would be taken from his family, was pressed to death.)
As a focus for gender and racial study, however, they are still enlightening. As the incident began when some girls in town denounced a West Indian servant, many believe that racism had a great deal to do with the whole affair. Moreover, more women were accused than men (even if not in the same numbers as in Europe), making for interesting observations on sexism within the US.
