Final answer:
The Salem witch trials were driven by the Puritan belief in the supernatural, the influence of religious authorities, and mass hysteria fueled by social tensions. The use of spectral evidence and fear of non-conformity led to numerous accusations and executions. The trials ended when skepticism arose with accusations against prominent individuals.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Salem witch trials were a series of hearings and prosecutions of people accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts between February 1692 and May 1693. The trials resulted in the executions of twenty people, most of them women. The Puritan belief system played a significant role in the witch trials, as the Puritans believed that every misfortune was a sign of God's judgment or the devil's work. This belief was instrumental in the accusations and subsequent trials. The influence of ministers like Cotton Mather, who were adamant in their belief of witchcraft, also contributed to the hysteria.
Several social factors contributed to the witch trials. There was widespread belief in the supernatural, and a mix of fear and suspicion led to accusations against individuals who were different or non-conforming, such as those who were poor, beggars, or non-churchgoers. Mass adolescent hysteria, possibly due to the trauma of Native wars and dramatic political and cultural changes, also led to the witch trials. Furthermore, the use of spectral evidence—testimony about dreams and visions—was considered credible and used in court, which further escalated the trials.
The witchcraft 'scare' eventually ended when the educated elite and influential people began to be accused, which brought about skepticism towards the use of spectral evidence and prompted the cessation of the trials. Ultimately, the witch trials can be attributed to a combination of religious fanaticism, social tensions, and individual fears and prejudices within the Puritan community.