The TRUTH is scarier than the LEGENDS!
3 Common Questions About The 1692 Salem Witch Trials
What was the real reason for the Salem Witch Trials?
There is no single reason for what caused the Salem Witch Trials. The year 1692 in Salem was a time of great difficulty. Residents were under a great deal of stress caused by a brutal winter, the French and Indian War, a government in disarray, land disputes, and conflict in the church.
The children crumbled under stress and acted out. Because their behaviors were unusual, the local doctor diagnosed them as being Bewitched or under the Devil’s hand. Residents were shocked, and the children’s parents insisted they name their tormentors. Parents suggested names of residents that could have been witches, and in most cases, the children agreed with these suggestions.
How many died in the Salem Witch Trials?
The trials started in February of 1692 and ended in May of 1693. During this time, 150 to 200 people were accused of practicing Witchcraft. Five would die in jail, one man pressed to death, and 19 were hanged at Proctors Ledge.
How did the Salem Witch Trials end?
On December 22, 1692, Governor Phips established the Massachusetts Superior Court after dissolving the Court of the Oyer and Terminer. He gave the court instructions on how to proceed with the remaining 50 witchcraft cases and insisted that no person should be convicted using Spectral evidence. However, the Court did not follow his instructions, and three more people were convicted and sentenced to death.
After receiving a letter from the King’s Attorney General expressing concerns about the three recent convictions, they suspected the Court used Spectral evidence to determine their guilt. So Phips decided he would reprieve them. The remaining cases all ended with acquittals.
Other Blog Posts
The 1692 Salem Tour: A Walk Through History
Our 1692 Salem Tour allows visitors to step back in time and explore the memorials and landmarks that define the Salem Witch Trials legacy. Discover the stories of the twenty executed victims and uncover the tales of other notable figures who played pivotal roles in the trials. Explore Salem with a historian who will lead you through the cobblestone streets, providing insights into the events of 1692 that are seldom considered and discussed. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to connect with history in the very place where it happened.
This Post Has One Comment
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you writing this article plus the rest of the website is
extremely good.
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
Emrick Douwes dekker