Overview
This lecture covers the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, examining the accused individuals, causes of the hysteria, and the social context in Colonial New England.
Background and Causes
- Belief in the supernatural was common in 1600s Colonial America and explained misfortunes like illness or crop failure.
- In January and February 1692, young girls in Salem Village began displaying strange behaviors attributed to witchcraft.
- The doctor could find no physical cause, increasing suspicions of witchcraft.
- Community superstitions and religious beliefs fueled outrage and fear.
Accusations and Testing Methods
- Accused witches were identified using dubious methods like the “touch test” and making a “witch cake.”
- Sarah Good, Sarah Osborne, and Tituba were the first three arrested, each fitting social stereotypes or rumors.
- Additional women faced charges for unusual behavior, questioning the girls, or wearing “odd” clothing.
- Evidence such as ointments or herbs—often used in healing—was treated as proof of witchcraft.
Escalation and Legal Proceedings
- Accusations rapidly expanded; homes were searched for incriminating evidence.
- Those found guilty of witchcraft were sentenced to death.
- Fourteen women and five men were executed by hanging, and one man was pressed to death with stones.
Theories About the Hysteria
- Possible causes include mass psychogenic illness (mass hysteria), community feuds, and deeply held religious/superstitious beliefs.
- Some suggest rivalry between Salem Village families contributed to the accusations.
- Other theories cite ergot poisoning from moldy rye, or possible manipulation and enjoyment of power by the afflicted girls.
Aftermath
- The hysteria subsided in May 1693, with a total of 20 people executed.
- The Salem Witch Trials remain a significant historical event highlighting dangers of mass hysteria.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Witchcraft — the practice of supposed magical skills, often blamed for misfortunes.
- Mass Hysteria — collective delusions of threats, leading to irrational behavior in groups.
- Touch Test — test in which accused witches touch the afflicted to see if symptoms stop.
- Witch Cake — a superstitious test involving feeding a cake made from afflicted urine to a dog.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review key individuals involved and their backgrounds.
- Reflect on the social dynamics and theories explaining the trials.
- Next class: Prepare questions about historical causes of mass hysteria.