Salem Witchcraft Trials

What caused the “Witchcraft Hysteria”? 1. Political & Economic Differences – split with Salem Town or stay part of it? East Village vs. West Village 1. Political & Economic Differences – split with Salem Town or stay part of it? East Village vs. West Village

Causes – cont’d 2. Religion – witchcraft was a sin that denied God’s superiority 2. Religion – witchcraft was a sin that denied God’s superiority 3. Fear God was punishing them – recent smallpox outbreak, fear of natives 3. Fear God was punishing them – recent smallpox outbreak, fear of natives

Causes – cont’d 4. Government – charter had been revoked, was reinstated, but no clear political leader 4. Government – charter had been revoked, was reinstated, but no clear political leader 5. Pressure on children – playing was a sign of idleness 5. Pressure on children – playing was a sign of idleness (Tituba would entertain them with tales of witchcraft)

What happened? Young girls having fits (convulsions, screaming, etc) Young girls having fits (convulsions, screaming, etc) Doctors could not figure it out Doctors could not figure it out People thought they were “bewitched” People thought they were “bewitched” Pressured them to say who “afflicted” them or caused the fits Pressured them to say who “afflicted” them or caused the fits

What happened – cont’d Girls blamed Tituba, Sarah Goode, Sarah Osburn Girls blamed Tituba, Sarah Goode, Sarah Osburn Hysteria ensued, with many people being implicated, some blaming others to get themselves out of trouble Hysteria ensued, with many people being implicated, some blaming others to get themselves out of trouble

What was the end result? 19 hanged, 1 pressed to death, 4-5 died in prison, imprisoned 19 hanged, 1 pressed to death, 4-5 died in prison, imprisoned Girls blamed governor’s wife, people started to question accusations Girls blamed governor’s wife, people started to question accusations

In the Years After… May 1693 – Governor Phipps released those remaining in jail May 1693 – Governor Phipps released those remaining in jail 1702 – court declares trials unlawful 1702 – court declares trials unlawful 1706 – Ann Putnam apologizes for her role in the hysteria 1706 – Ann Putnam apologizes for her role in the hysteria