First, opening line: Does history repeat itself? Yes. Throughout history, there are many examples of people being selected as scapegoats, people to blame for the existing problems of society.
You can use example of McCarthyism, then mention Hitler, and persecution of Jews.
Then define Witchcraft, and why it was a problem for most Christians in the 1600's, and King James Bible saying "suffer Witches to burn", ect.
Then you can explain the plot of The Crucible, and how it was very similar to more recent examples that you started with in your essay.
Humans always fear what they do not understand, and often blame evil on "evil-doers" or devils, and even witchcraft, if religious. (that can be your conclusion)
FYI, some recent research has shown that a fungus called ergot growing on rye can cause hallucinations.
Because the year in which they had the fears of witchcraft, the weather was damp, and some scientists blame the mold on Rye as possible agent for many wild happenings in Salem that year.
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