Final answer:
During the witch hunts, people were controlled through fear, superstition, and social tensions. Accusations were often driven by personal conflicts, and women were primarily targeted. The belief in witchcraft was used by Puritan authorities to maintain control and order within society. option 1 is correct
Step-by-step explanation:
During the witch hunts, people were controlled through a combination of fear, superstition, and social tensions. Promises of power were not a major factor as witches were seen as harmful and dangerous individuals. Rather, the control was mainly exerted through strong leadership and the belief in witchcraft as a means of explaining and coping with the hardships of life.
Accusations of witchcraft often arose from personal conflicts or suspicions, and women were particularly targeted. The Puritan authorities relied on the belief in witchcraft to maintain control and order within society, which led to the execution of several individuals based on spectral evidence.
However, as the hysteria died down and people began to question the validity of the accusations, the trials were annulled and indemnity was granted to the victims and their families. option 1 is correct