Evidence points to several factors that may have contributed to the mass hysteria: “An influx of refugees from King William's War with French colonists, a recent smallpox epidemic, the threat of attack from Native Americans, a growing rivalry with the neighboring seaport of Salem Town, and the simmering tensions. Despite what some people believe, the Salem Witch Trials are an important part of history because innocent people lost their lives, it could have been prevented, and something similar could happen again if people aren't careful. The trials occurred in colonial Massachusetts between 1692 and 1693.