Jonestown Massacre Essay
Jim Jones originally came from “humble beginnings”. He was born on May 31, 1931 in a rural part of Indiana. Being a minister to a few Christian churches around the Indianapolis area was how he made money to start a church of his own. He formed his church(cult) in Indian in the 50’s, it consisted of a mixed race of people which was odd for the time. But later relocated to Northern California in the 60’s. Then in the 70’s he relocated his group to San Francisco and also opened up a temple in Los Angeles. He helped to raise money for many charitable causes and even had programs set up for those in need such as: free dining, drug rehabilitation and medical assistance. To him it was important that everyone was equal disregarding their race, age
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It didn't turn out to be as easy as they thought it would. The followers worked long days in the fields and were punished severely if they questioned their leaders choices. They phone calls and letters sent back home were censored. At this time Jones was addicted to drugs and was in declining mental health so he thought the world was out to get him, especially the government. Jonestown Massacre happened on November 18th in 1978. More than 900 people who were members of his cult known as the Peoples Temple died in a mass suicide/murder under their leader. This happened at a settlement in South American nation of Guyana known as Jonestown. On the same say before the mass murder Leo Ryan a United States representative had gone to Jonestown to check out a few causes of reported abuse but was murdered. Many concerned families came along side him to see what was happening and try to determine why they people were being help against their will. Four other members of his delegation were also killed by gunmen. Shortly after was when Jim Jones demanded that all of his followers ingest a punch that was laced with poison. The children were the first ones to be killed, a potent mix of cyanide, sedatives and powdered fruit juice was forced down their throats. The next day the floors were found lined with bodies, few escaped
It didn't turn out to be as easy as they thought it would. The followers worked long days in the fields and were punished severely if they questioned their leaders choices. They phone calls and letters sent back home were censored. At this time Jones was addicted to drugs and was in declining mental health so he thought the world was out to get him, especially the government. Jonestown Massacre happened on November 18th in 1978. More than 900 people who were members of his cult known as the Peoples Temple died in a mass suicide/murder under their leader. This happened at a settlement in South American nation of Guyana known as Jonestown. On the same say before the mass murder Leo Ryan a United States representative had gone to Jonestown to check out a few causes of reported abuse but was murdered. Many concerned families came along side him to see what was happening and try to determine why they people were being help against their will. Four other members of his delegation were also killed by gunmen. Shortly after was when Jim Jones demanded that all of his followers ingest a punch that was laced with poison. The children were the first ones to be killed, a potent mix of cyanide, sedatives and powdered fruit juice was forced down their throats. The next day the floors were found lined with bodies, few escaped