Summary
On November 18, 1978, more than 900 residents of the Peoples Temple, an American religious group that had moved to Jonestown, Guyana, drank from a vat of cyanide-laced punch after their leader, Jim Jones, ordered them to do so. For years, people have debated why the people of Jonestown followed his order. Some have argued that they committed suicide voluntarily because they believed the group was doomed, yet others have argued that they were forced to consume poison at gunpoint. Was this tragedy mass suicide or mass murder?
This eBook examines the tragedy at Jonestown and delves into the pro and con arguments that surrounded it. It includes a timeline, primary sources, a bibliography, and a "Learn More About" chapter with more information on the topic.