The Salem Witch Trials Salem, Massachusetts 1692

Village caught up in hysteria and fear of Satan and demonic forces. Village caught up in hysteria and fear of Satan and demonic forces. Start arresting individuals, some being hanged, based solely on the testimony of very young girls. Girls said they were “tormented” by the spirits of these adults Start arresting individuals, some being hanged, based solely on the testimony of very young girls. Girls said they were “tormented” by the spirits of these adults Led to the imprisonment of many people without trial. Also, several were executed. Led to the imprisonment of many people without trial. Also, several were executed. What happened?

Causes Strong belief that Satan active in world. He recruits wizards/witches to work for him Strong belief that Satan active in world. He recruits wizards/witches to work for him Prior witchcraft cases in New England (Europe) Prior witchcraft cases in New England (Europe) Belief that person afflicted exhibits certain symptoms—Cotton Mather’s Memorable Providences (on classzone if interested) Belief that person afflicted exhibits certain symptoms—Cotton Mather’s Memorable Providences (on classzone if interested) Fear of the Unknown; Fear of Change Fear of the Unknown; Fear of Change

Causes A time of trouble--smallpox, strife in church, frontier wars with Indians, etc. Satan busy. A time of trouble--smallpox, strife in church, frontier wars with Indians, etc. Satan busy. Confession made it easier on people. If a person confessed, they could be brought back to God. Confession made it easier on people. If a person confessed, they could be brought back to God.

History of Witchcraft Execution Bible mandate Bible mandate 1208—Pope Innocent III attacks religious group; says they are in cahoots with Satan 1208—Pope Innocent III attacks religious group; says they are in cahoots with Satan 1273—St. Thomas Acquinas says that demons can lead people into temptation 1273—St. Thomas Acquinas says that demons can lead people into temptation Mid 1400’s—Witchcraft trials erupt in Europe. Burning witches, hanging, torture led to confessions to save lives. People said they met with Satan and flew around on poles, animals, had sex with animals, etc. Witchcraft became a crime against the state. Mid 1400’s—Witchcraft trials erupt in Europe. Burning witches, hanging, torture led to confessions to save lives. People said they met with Satan and flew around on poles, animals, had sex with animals, etc. Witchcraft became a crime against the state.

History Mid to Early 1500’s—Witch hysteria everywhere. Mass executions. Mid to Early 1500’s—Witch hysteria everywhere. Mass executions. Geneva, Switzerland burned 500 accused witches at the stake in Geneva, Switzerland burned 500 accused witches at the stake in Nine years later in Como, Italy, witchcraft charges led to as many as 1000 executions. Nine years later in Como, Italy, witchcraft charges led to as many as 1000 executions. From 1500 to 1660, Europe saw between 50,000 and 80,000 suspected witches executed. About 80% of those killed were women. Execution rates varied From 1500 to 1660, Europe saw between 50,000 and 80,000 suspected witches executed. About 80% of those killed were women. Execution rates varied 26,000 in Germany 26,000 in Germany 10,000 in France 10,000 in France 1,000 in England, and only four in Ireland. 1,000 in England, and only four in Ireland.

History 1591—King James authorizes torture of witches 1591—King James authorizes torture of witches 1606—Shakespeare’s Macbeth performed 1606—Shakespeare’s Macbeth performed 1640’s—Starts to simmer down 1640’s—Starts to simmer down 1682—England executes last witch 1682—England executes last witch She was a senile, impoverished woman wanting to end her own life in a dramatic way. She was a senile, impoverished woman wanting to end her own life in a dramatic way.

Events in Salem Rev. Samuel Parris moves to Salem to become minister Rev. Samuel Parris moves to Salem to become minister February—his young daughter goes ill. Having fits, yelling out, acting weird February—his young daughter goes ill. Having fits, yelling out, acting weird Can’t explain why. Some of her friends began to exhibit similar symptoms. Can’t explain why. Some of her friends began to exhibit similar symptoms. Doctor suggests supernatural reasons Doctor suggests supernatural reasons September 1662, 19 men and women carted off to Gallows Hill for hanging September 1662, 19 men and women carted off to Gallows Hill for hanging

Events in Salem People believed that Satan targeted children often People believed that Satan targeted children often More girls became afflicted More girls became afflicted One girl confesses to witchcraft—points finger at others One girl confesses to witchcraft—points finger at others Girls started pointing fingers at people they didn’t like, for financial gain of parents, etc

Events in Salem Early Autumn of 1692—hysteria dying down. Early Autumn of 1692—hysteria dying down. More and more refused to confess More and more refused to confess Charges became more and more ridiculous Charges became more and more ridiculous People tired of hanging and arresting People tired of hanging and arresting

Things to Think About Mob Mentality Mob Mentality Peer Pressure Peer Pressure Coercion and Testimony Coercion and Testimony Power of Fear Power of Fear