The Salem witch trials occurred due to a mix of Puritan supernatural beliefs, social turmoil, and fear, heightened by influential figures like Cotton Mather affirming the existence of witchcraft. The hysteria resulted in 19 executions and several deaths, ending in 1693 when logic and pressure from the Boston elite overcame the panicked atmosphere.
Step-by-step explanation:
Why Did the Salem Witch Trials Happen?
The Salem witch trials stemmed from a combination of belief in the supernatural, social strife, and fear of the unknown. In the Puritan New England of the 17th century, every event was a sign of divine favor or judgment. Witches, in their view, allied with the Devil to cause misfortune like illness and death. This was a period of upheaval with wars against Native Americans on the frontier and significant political and cultural changes. The pivotal events transpired in Salem Village in 1692, with the daughter and niece of minister Samuel Parris displaying fits attributed to witchcraft.
Historical figures like Cotton Mather played a role, their teachings affirming the existence of witches and devils. The situation escalated when several girls accused others of witchcraft, leading to trials heavily reliant on spectral and intangible evidence. Nineteen people were executed, and others died in custody. The hysteria ultimately abated in 1693, also marking a shift in the Puritan Commonwealth.
Compared to European witch hunts, Salem's trials were considered moderate. The latter involved hangings instead of burnings, and later on, there were admissions of error, with retractions and compensations for the wrongfully accused.