Superstition and Science Pages Thesis #3 Analyze at least TWO factors that account for the rise and at least TWO factors that explain the decline of witchcraft persecution and trials in Europe in the period from 1580 to 1750.

Continuing Superstition Despite new ideas in science & philosophy, traditional beliefs and fears were stronger –Power of magic & occult –Preoccupied with sin, death, devil

Witch Hunts –70, ,000 put to death for witchcraft & magic What did people believe? –Fly –Turned into animals –Cannibalism (especially Christian Children)

Great Panic Late 16 th and early 17 th century Why? Misfortune (people protect themselves) –Religious divide (Reformation) New religions –Demons still evil, BUT religious protection was diminished –Religious War Why kill witches? –Closest thing to a social revolt Political Motive –Eliminate competition for loyalty Political enemies  “devilish”

Village Origins “cunning folk” –Blamed for …. Natural disasters, famine, sickness Magic for good –Important within a village –Who would claim “good magic”? Single, old women –Why? Security

Clergy Influence Why would clergy encourage the belief in demons? –They practiced magic (sacraments) –Show moral authority Enforce religious discipline & morals If you practiced magic…. –Inside Church  It came from God –Outside Church  came from devil

Why women? 80% of the victims –35-65 years old Why? Were they just women hunts? –Male hatred and sexual fear of women –Women threatened to break out from traditional role Was it circumstantial? –Claimed supernatural power more (economic) –They were mid-wives

End of Witch-Hunts More scientific world view Words and thoughts cannot impact the natural world Hunts threatened anarchy Reformation made the devil more manageable –Served God’s purpose Philosophy –Humans had control over everyday life Don’t fear demons