The Impact Of The Salem Witch Trials - 1263 Words

The myths surrounding the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 spike the interest of historians and non-academics alike. These trials have been the concern of different historical articles, novels, plays, films, and even religious debates. One issue that is certain, is the hysteria of the community overwhelmed Salem, Massachusetts in 1692 and 1693. A particular primary source, â€Å"Accounts of the Salem Witchcraft Trials (1693)† by Cotton Mather, suggests that the actions brought forth provided proof of satanic work. Even though Mather was a contemporary observer, Mather fails to analyze the importance of the real contemporary issues displayed during the time of the trials. Furthermore, historian Kyle Koehler, takes a different approach in his review,†¦show more content†¦Therefore, backfiring on anyone in the lower class as many ended up a victim. By examining the end to witchcraft, a reader can further see the importance of socioeconomic status during the trials. The afflic ted girls discovered their role in putting an end to the allegations by accusing the highest members of Puritan society. Here a reader realizes it was not just mostly women who were accused, but mostly women of low socioeconomic status. Once women began denouncing the most prestigious members, others began speaking out and fighting in favor of the accused. For example, colonial economic and political leaders started objecting the accusations once â€Å"the bewitched had charged the wives of critics Moody, Hale, and Dane, as well as several members of Boston’s ruling elite.† On the off-chance that people never blamed the elite members of society who knows how long the Salem Witch Trials would have kept going. Religious beliefs undoubtedly played an important role in New England during the 17th century. For example, the Puritans believed in a moral code and felt it was the devils work when something went wrong such as misfortunes, failed crops, and/or theft. Susanna Ma rtin became a victim of such allegations; such as, John Atkinson’s testifies that Susanna Martin bewitched the cow her son exchanged because upon bringing the cow home, the cow broke free and escaped. Atkinson believed the only cause of thisShow MoreRelatedThe Impact Of The Salem Witch Trials2018 Words   |  9 Pages The Salem Witch Hunt Introduction The Salem Witch Trials is a term that is used to refer to a series of different witchcraft cases that were taken to the local magistrates of a region known as Salem that happened to be considered as a part of the Massachusetts Bay colony in the 17th Century (Roach and Rosenthal 925). Additionally, it is important to note that the Salem Witch Trials have been considered to be amongst some of the darkest periods in the American trial history. The reason why the trailsRead MoreThe Salem Witch Trials And Its Impact On American Society1881 Words   |  8 PagesDid you know that the Salem witch trials resulted in the execution of only twenty people? Most people believe that hundreds of people were executed during the Salem witch trials, which is often a very common thought but in actuality only twenty people (mostly women) were executed. The Salem witch trials was a huge part of American history, they are important to remember because they are probably a crucial turning point for America, because before the trials religion and superstition were very importantRead MoreIs Witch Trails A Thing Of The Past?923 Words   |  4 Pages Being that the Salem Witch Trails date back to over three hundred years, many people believe witch trails are a thing of the past. However, modern day witch trails are still extremely prevalent. 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The morals discovered during the Salem witch trials failedRead MoreThe Salem Witch Trials Essay1349 Words   |  6 PagesBefore 1692, the supernatural was a part of people’s everyday normal life. This is so as people strongly believed that Satan was present and active on earth. Men and women in Salem Village believed that all the misfortunes that befell them were the work of the devil. For example, when things like infant death, crop failures or friction among the congregation occurred, people were quick to blame the supernatural. This concept first emerged in Europe around the fifteenth century and then spread toRead MoreEssay on Did Religion Impact American History?561 Words   |  3 Pagescountries across the world. Many historians believe America was formed on the basis of religion. In this research paper, I will illustrate the impact religion had on American History to 1877. 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