Spreads inland quickly so a new community forms – Salem Village.

“Villagers” want own Church, Minister & New Meeting House.

Early support by “Town” declines over political influence – access to property, family inheritances and wealth.

“Village” Minister Parris challenges “Town” powers - the prominent Putnam family, living along border of “Town” and “Village”.

Battle is over influence in community affairs.

“Village” seeks more independence from “Town”

“Town” officials vote against “Village” on many

issues

Becomes rich vs. poor struggle

Minister Parris and his allies accused vulnerable Putnam

family members and friends to intimidate them and force

them to back off their political goals in Salem Village.

Under British law and Puritan society those who were

accused of consorting with the devil were considered

felons, having committed a crime against their

government. The punishment was hanging.

The June 10, 1692 hanging of Bridget BishopThe June 10, 1692 hanging of Bridget Bishop

- At least four accused witches had died in prison.

- One to two hundred other persons were arrested and imprisoned on witchcraft charges.

- Two dogs were executed as suspected accomplices of witches. 

From June through September of 1692:From June through September of 1692:

- 19 men and women, convicted of witchcraft, were carted to Gallows - 19 men and women, convicted of witchcraft, were carted to Gallows Hill, a barren slope near Salem Village, for hanging. Hill, a barren slope near Salem Village, for hanging.

- Another man of over eighty years was pressed to death under heavy - Another man of over eighty years was pressed to death under heavy stones for refusing to submit to a trial on witchcraft charges.stones for refusing to submit to a trial on witchcraft charges.

Of the 50 who actually confessed, none were hanged.

Eventually ended by the Governor when his wife was accused

Girls affected by symptoms of “possession” were encouraged to fake them by Parris & his supporters.

Girls from broken families were seeking attention, but went to far…

Victims of “ergot poisoning”. Ergot is a fungus on bread that produces the chemical LSD. From Science Vol. 192 (2 April 1976)

Awakenings resulted often after times of stress in communities.

Periods of renewed “piety” and devotion.

1739-1769 – George Whitfield “acted” out sermons – brought back many who had strayed.

Jonathan Edwards – Church attendance is not enough to gain salvation – must FEEL sin!

“Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” a fiery sermon that scared people.

Resulted in interest in higher education – Princeton, Brown, Columbia, Dartmouth