The Salem Witch Trials One Word: Yikes

When? Where? (The usual first couple of questions.) Salem Village, Massachusetts Began in January of 1692, when the Parris girls got sick The trials began in June Trials were disbanded by Governor William Phipps in October of 1692 Trivia: Nathaniel Hawthorne’s ancestor was a presiding judge at the Salem Witch Trials

Why? I Mean Seriously… That’s Messed Up Reason #1: They believed in witchcraft Reason #2: They didn’t understand disease Reasons #3-?: Recent small pox epidemic, fear of native tribes, problems of colonies, and rivalries/jealousies of colonists

Who? The Afflicted: - those who were “possessed” or “tormented,” who suffered fits - mostly young girls, but a few adults - they would cry out the names of “witches” The Accused: - those who were supposedly possessing them -mostly average citizens, many known to the girls - over 150 accused - 19 were hanged (13 women, 5 men); 1 man was pressed to death

Back to Why… Why did the girls behave that way? That’s tough to say… - adolescent hysteria - ergot poisoning (What’s that?) - vengeance - fun (seriously…)

What About After? 1. Oh, once the court was disbanded, everything was hunky-dory… Just kidding 3. Some apologies were made to the families of the victims 4. A Day of Fasting and Remembrance began 5. The replacement court, the Superior Court of Judicature, didn’t believe in “spectral evidence” (The Court of Oyer and Terminer did)