Causes Of The Salem Witch Trials

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More than three centuries ago, an entire community in Salem, Massachusetts, just 5 miles from Salem Town fell victim to what would become the most notorious instance of witch hysteria in United States history. The infamous witch trials of Salem, Massachusetts remain one of the most unscrupulous and inexplicable phenomena in the United States, having resulted in a total of 20 deaths and 165 accusations related to Witchcraft within the span of four months. [3] The brief, but tumultuous period has long been a source of debate amongst historians. For nearly a century, it was widely accepted that social tensions and Puritan religious beliefs were the primary cause of the trials, but in the 1970’s, a college undergraduate suggested ergot poisoning might be to blame. Ergotism – ergot poisoning – is born from the fungus Claviceps purpurea, which is known to infect rye and other cereal grains, it produces a chemical known as ergotamine which is the base for toxic hallucinogenic chemicals such as LSD. [2] Studies have shown that the consumption of ergot-contaminated food results in symptoms much like those associated with the afflicted girls in Salem, 1692. [2] Collectively, Ergot poisoning, and the implication Puritanism and Puritan values had on the genuine fear of witches, and socioeconomic tension caused the events that would become the Salem witch hysteria of 1692. Ergotism, a condition resulting from the consumption of ergot germ infested rye, was the cause of the symptoms exhibited by the victims of witchcraft in 1692. From June to September of 1692, two young girls, Abigail Williams and Elizabeth Parris came down with a perplexing illness, one that the local doctor eventually diagnosed as bewitchment. [6] Linda Caporael asserts ... ... middle of paper ... ...itan religion played a major role in the occurrence of the witch trials, even the children became part of the conflict when they accused the people of the east side. This pre-existing tension was the reason so many of the accused came from the eastern side of Salem village. Along with ergot poisoning and superstition, the rivalry created by the socioeconomic situation contributed to the occurrence of the witch trials. Ultimately, the Salem witch trials were the result of ergot poisoning, superstition, and a pre-existing socioeconomic rivalry, which propelled the events of the witch trials into infamy. Ergot poisoning and superstition left the residents of Salem Village in no doubt that witchcraft was at work. Because many already questioned the faith of villagers closest to Salem Town, it was not a large leap to assume that they must be doing the Devil’s work.

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