The original witch-hunts took place in America in the 17th century, most famously in Salem, Massachusetts. Young girls who were excited or upset were thought to be witches or under the control of evil spirits. The girls' trials were held in such a way that it was almost impossible for them to prove they were not guilty. The movement against American Communists in the 1950s, which was led by Senator Joseph McCarthy, was often called a witch-hunt. 最初的政治迫害出现于 17 世纪的美国，马萨诸塞州的塞勒姆最为著名。异常兴奋或烦恼的年轻女子被认为是女巫或被恶鬼所控制。审判这些女孩时，几乎不容她们证明自己是无罪的。20 世纪 50 年代由参议员约瑟夫·麦卡锡领导的反对美国共产主义者的运动也常常被称为“政治迫害”。