Who Is To Blame For The Salem Witch Trials

Historians have debated the true cause of the Salem Witch Trials. They have considered a few possibilities, the biggest being fear. Rebecca B. Brooks in her article “History of the Salem Witch Trials” from the History of Massachusetts Blog tells that, “In 17th century Massachusetts, people often feared that the Devil was constantly trying to find ways to infiltrate and destroy Christians and their communities.” (http://historyofmassachusetts.org/the-salem-witch-trials/). Other motivations for the Salem Witch Trials include fear of a possible Native American attack, continuing struggles from the British war with France and the American Colonies, and aftermath of a recent smallpox outbreak that were still tormenting the town. (http://www.history.com/topics/salem-witch-trials). The Salem Witch Trials affected many people, including those not directly involved. Those who were accused of being Witches were only able to get out of execution was to confess to witchcraft. Once accused, the women (and men) would be put through at least one of five tests, including being asked to recite the Lord’s prayer, physical evidence (birthmarks, warts, moles) that the devil could use to enter the body, and spectral evidence. The only other ways to get out of execution were to pass the blame to someone else, or to confess of witchcraft.

By the end of the Trials, over 150 men, women, and children were accused, and 19 of whom were hanged. Daily tasks were neglected during this time, so once the trials ended it took time to get back into the swing of things and get everything figured out again. (http://historyofmassachusetts.org/the-salem-witch-trials/). Because so many people were wrongly accused during the trials, there was a bill passed in 1711 which made an attempt to fix the mistakes and restore the good names of those affected during the trials.