What historical event is the play an allegory for?

The correct answer is McCarthyism and the Red Scare because Arthur Miller wrote "The Crucible" during a time when fear and paranoia about communist infiltration were prevalent in the United States. The play draws parallels between the witch hunts in Salem and the accusations and trials of suspected communists during the 1950s, when people were often unjustly accused and persecuted based on flimsy or no evidence at all. Just as innocent people were condemned in Salem due to hysteria and fear, many individuals were wrongfully accused of being communists, leading to ruined reputations and lives. Through this allegory, Miller critiques the dangers of extremism and the impact of mass hysteria on society and individuals.

The other historical events do not directly align with the themes of the play. The American Civil War and the Great Depression reflect different societal struggles and contexts, while the Civil Rights Movement, although significant, centers on issues of racial justice and equality, which, while important, do not capture the specific thematic essence Miller was addressing.