Arthur Miller's literary work, "The Crucible" focuses on the historical and social influences that led to the witch hunt hysteria that affected Abigail, one of the main characters . Between the 15th and 18th centuries witch hunts were a big problem. Cruelties were committed. In Arthur Miller's The Crucible he explains in a fictional story what all these cruelties were. Innocent people were accused. Abigail was the most accused in the story. The witch hunt had a great impact on history. Cruelty was being committed in Salem, Massachusetts. It all began in the spring of 1692, after a group of young girls said they were possessed by the devil. Later this group of girls accused several women of witchcraft. After that it was just a complete frenzy. Everyone blamed everyone and it went on and on until these times passed. Everything was out of control. In Salem they decided to do some tests so that everything was under control. All these accusations turned into a complete panic. Innocents were hanged. Most witches were not burned at the stake, as everyone thinks. They were tried and then hanged. Anyone could be accused of being a "witch". These witch hunts didn't even target women individually. Men are also accused. Although women and men did not have the same name. The name of male sorcerers is “wizard”. Even if someone simply didn't particularly like his neighbor, he could accuse him of being a witch and he would be put on trial. These hunts were very unfair. They are not witches and it took so many deaths and so long for everyone to come to their senses and realize that it was all a load of idiocy and nonsense. There is no trace of w...... half of the document ...... ay 2014. ."Crucibleteachnotes.html." Crucibleteachnotes.html. Np, nd Web. May 29, 2014. "Salem Witch Trials - 1692 Salem - Religion and Witchcraft - DiscoverySchool.com." Salem Witch Trials - 1692 Salem - Religion and Witchcraft - DiscoverySchool.com. Np, nd Web. May 27, 2014. “Salem Witch Trials.” History.com. A&E and Web Television Networks. May 26, 2014. "Understanding 'The Crucible': A Play by Arthur Miller - A Student's Research Guide by I Lee." Understanding "The Crucible": A Play by Arthur Miller - A Student Research Guide by I Lee. Np, nd Web. May 29 2014. .