Final answer:
The Salem witch trials were a series of hearings and prosecutions of people accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts between 1692 and 1693. The hysteria began when a group of young girls claimed to be possessed by witches, resulting in the execution of 20 people.
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 hysteria began when a group of young girls claimed to be possessed by witches, leading to the arrest and trial of numerous individuals.
During this time, many individuals were accused based on specter evidence, which was the belief that a person's specter or spirit could afflict others. The accused were subjected to intense interrogations and often forced to confess through various means of torture, resulting in the execution of 20 people.
It is now widely believed that the Salem witch trials were a result of a combination of factors, including religious fundamentalism, social tensions, and fear of the unknown. The trials left a lasting impact on American history, serving as a cautionary tale of the dangers of mass hysteria and the importance of due process.
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