What provoked the towns people to accuse one another of witchcraft?

Why did people fear witches?

How are the Salem Witch Trials related to other witch hunts?

Strong belief that Satan is acting in “the invisible world”. He was seen as very real, and the cause of disease, natural catastrophes, and bad fortune.

A belief that Satan recruits witches and wizards to work for him with the promise of power as a lure.

A belief that a person afflicted by witchcraft exhibits symptoms. These were listed in a book called Memorable Providences

People lived in a time  of troubles, making it seem likely that Satan was active. They endured such issues as smallpox and frontier wars with natives.

Stimulation of imaginations by Tituba.

Convulsive Ergotism, a disease caused by eating infecting rye that can produce hallucinations, causing strange behaviour

Teenage boredom in strict households

Magistrates and judges receptive to accusations of witchcraft, who saw witch trials as way to shift blame for their own wartime failures

Confessing "witches" adding credibility to earlier charges. Old feuds (disputes within congregation, property disputes) between

the accusers and the accused spurring charges of witchcraft.

Old feuds (disputes within congregation, property disputes) between the accusers and the accused spurring charges of witchcraft.

Above: The Trial of George Jacobs, August 6th, 1692 by T. H. Matteson

In your opinion, explain in one paragraph why the people of Salem felt they were right in accusing people of witchcraft. What benefits did they gain or what fears did they reduce?

If you were in Salem at this time, describe in one paragraph how you would avoid conflict or resolve conflict.

In groups , draw a Venn Diagram on the Graffiti Board

Have one circle represent the Salem Witch Trials and the circle on the opposite side represent the Spanish Inquisition

The overlapping area in the middle will represent similarities between the Salem Witch Trials and Spanish Inquisition

List five points for all three areas