Why did Miller write The Crucible?

The play's basis on 1692 Salem witch trials was inspired by the McCarthy era of the 1950s. This period was characterized by heightened political tensions, allegations of communist infiltration, and the persecution of suspected individuals, much like the Salem trials. Miller used the allegory to critique the tactics used by Senator Joseph McCarthy's House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC), which employed fear, guilt-by-association, and unsubstantiated accusations to target individuals in the entertainment industry and other fields. Miller drew parallels between the Salem witch hunts and the political atmosphere of his time, highlighting how mass hysteria and fear can lead to unjust accusations and the erosion of civil liberties. By presenting these parallels, Miller aimed to caution against the dangers of unchecked power, the importance of due process, and the need for society to resist irrational fears and baseless accusations.