Salem Witch Trial

Between the months of June to September of 1692, the infamous witch trials in Salem, Massachusetts resulted in the deaths of twenty men and women as a result of witchcraft charges. Hundreds of others faced accusations and dozens were jailed for months during the progress of the trials. There are an numerous number of explanations for the hysteria that over took the puritan population of Salem. This year marked a very disturbing time in the history of the Salem that is unique in the entire history of the United States of America and, in some respect, also in the history of all over the world.

The maps show the locations of major landmarks, farms, land grants, physical features, and the dwellings of prominent and important residents in Salem during 1692. For example the maps claimed that accusers came mainly from families who lived in the western part of the village, while the accused witches came predominantly from families living nearer to Salem Town. The following persons are not included on the map: the “afflicted girls” Sarah and Dorcas good, who had no fixed residence; Mary DeRich; and the five Villagers who were both accusers and defenders in 1692. The charts reveal older women were accused of witchcraft because of their economic vulnerability and because they were liable to senility, depression, or both. They also indicate that most of the accused witches were both young and old women. The men fall highest in the category as witnesses.

Church was the cornerstone of 17th century life in New England. Most people in Massachusetts were Puritans. Puritans are colonists who had left England seeking religious tolerance. But the strict Puritan code was far from tolerant. It was against the law not to attend church, where men and women sat on opposite sides through long services. The Puritan lifestyle was restrained and rigid. People were expected to work hard and repress their emotions or opinions. Individual differences were frowned upon. Even the dark, somber Puritan dress was dictated by the church. Since Puritans were expected to live by a rigid moral code, they believed that all sins from sleeping in church to stealing food should be punished. They also believed God would punish sinful behavior. When a neighbor would suffer misfortune, such as a sick child or a failed crop, Puritans saw it as God’s will and did not help. Puritans also believed the Devil was as real as God. Everyone was faced with the struggle between the powers of good and evil, but Satan would select the weakest individuals women, children, the insane to carry out his work. Those who followed Satan were considered witches. Witchcraft was one of the greatest crimes a person could commit, punishable by death. In keeping with the Puritan code of conformity, the first women to be accused of witchcraft in Salem were seen as different and as social outcasts: Tituba, a slave; Sarah Good, a homeless beggar; and Sarah Osborne, a sickly old woman who married her servant.

Samuel Parris was now in jeopardy of losing his job because of the outcome of the new election. Whether he was worried about losing his job, or simply had a guilty conscience, Parris gave his "Meditation for Peace" sermon on November 26, 1693. In the sermon, he admitted to giving too much weight to spectral evidence. However, his sermon and confession seemed not to have repaired the damaged relations between him and the community, for Parris agreed to move from Salem Village in April 1696.

According to Samuel Parris, he realized the threat that witches posed when he noticed his young daughter Betty Parris became strangely ill. She dashed about, dove under furniture, contorted in pain, and complained of fever. The cause of her symptoms may have been some combination of stress, asthma, guilt, child abuse, epilepsy, and delusional psychosis, but there were other theories. Betty also began pinching, prickling and choking sensations. Within a few weeks several other Salem girls started a very similar behavior.

Question 4:

In 1692, Salem was divided into two distinct parts: Salem Town and Salem Village. Salem Village also referred to as Salem Farms was actually part of Salem Town but was set apart by its economy, class, and character. Residents of Salem Village were mostly poor farmers who made their living cultivating crops in the rocky terrain. Salem Town, on the other hand, was a prosperous port town at the center of trade with London. Most of those living in Salem Town were wealthy merchants. Salem Village tried to gain independence from Salem Town. The town, which depended on the farmers for food, determined crop prices and collected taxes from the Village. Despite the three-hour walk between the two communities, Salem Village did not have its own church and minister until 1674.But there was also a division within Salem Village.