Belief in the supernaturaland specifically in the devils practice of giving certain humans (witches) the power to harm others in return for their loyaltyhad emerged in Europe as early as the 14th century, and was widespread in colonial New England. In addition, the harsh realities of life in the rural Puritan community of Salem Village (present-day Danvers, Massachusetts) at the time included the after-effects of a British war with France in the American colonies in 1689, a recent smallpox epidemic, fears of attacks from neighboring Native American tribes and a longstanding rivalry with the more affluent community of Salem Town (present-day Salem). Amid these simmering tensions, the Salem witch trials would be fueled by residents suspicions of and resentment toward their neighbors, as well as their fear of outsiders.
Did You Know?
In an effort to explain by scientific means the strange afflictions suffered by those "bewitched" Salem residents in 1692, a study published in Science magazine in 1976 cited the fungus ergot (found in rye, wheat and other cereals), which toxicologists say can cause symptoms such as delusions, vomiting and muscle spasms.
In January 1692, 9-year-old Elizabeth (Betty) Parris and 11-year-old Abigail Williams (the daughter and niece of Samuel Parris, minister of Salem Village) began having fits, including violent contortions and uncontrollable outbursts of screaming. After a local doctor, William Griggs, diagnosed bewitchment, other young girls in the community began to exhibit similar symptoms, including Ann Putnam Jr., Mercy Lewis, Elizabeth Hubbard, Mary Walcott and Mary Warren. In late February, arrest warrants were issued for the Parris Caribbean slave, Tituba, along with two other womenthe homeless beggar Sarah Good and the poor, elderly Sarah Osbornwhom the girls accused of bewitching them.
Find out more about the history of Salem Witch Trials, including videos, interesting articles, pictures, historical features and more. Get all the facts on HISTORY.com
Salem witch trials - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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.
Early American History: Salem Witch Trials Facts
American History: Salem witch trials information, images, documents etc.
A Brief History of the Salem Witch Trials | History ...
The Salem witch trials occurred in colonial Massachusetts between 1692 and 1693. More than 200 people were accused of practicing witchcraftthe Devil's magicand 20
11 Important Facts About The Salem Witch Trials | APECSEC.org
6. It Was More About Religion. When push came to shove, the Salem witch trials were less about witchcraft and more about the state of Christianity.
Salem Witch Trials - Totally History
The Salem witch trials took place between February of 1692 and May of 1693. By the end of the trials, hundreds were accused of witchcraft, nineteen we
History of Massachusetts: The Salem Witch Trials
The Salem Witch Trials of 1692 were a dark time in American history. More than 200 people were accused of practicing witchcraft and 20 were killed during the hysteria.
Salem Witch Museum - Education - Salem , Massachusetts
The Salem Witch Museum's presents the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, one of the most important and tragic events in American history.
The Salem Witchcraft Trials of 1692
A collection of images, documents, essays, maps, links, games, and other information pertaining to the Salem Witch Trials of 1692.
Salem Witch Trials Video - Salem Witch Trials - HISTORY.com
You can access this video on the free HISTORY® app. *You must verify your TV provider to watch this video on the App