EXACERBATING FACTOR: - The Economic crises in Bamberg and the Thirty Years War

Weather and Crop failures

• Witch trials peaked in Bamberg in 1629, which is also the year that frost destroyed the wine crop

• The early 17th century coincided with the “Little Ice Age”, which was a period of significantly colder and unsettled weather in Europe

• Crop failure amounted to a crisis in the state, leading to increased taxes

Inflation

• Imports of silver from America began to decline in 1610 and the gold florin (reserve currency) had reduced gold content

• This led to inflation and many people were unable to explain their sudden economic hardship and blamed witchcraft

Economic explanations

• Margaretha Eissmenin admitted that after extensive coin clipping, money had lost its value and she had to turn to the devil

• Margaretha Gussbacherin prostituted herself to a man in a black feather hat to free herself of poverty and suffering - interpreted as a diabolical pact

How did the Thirty Years War damage Bamberg?

• Famine caused as a result of soldiers requisitioning food

• Villages and towns were plundered for supplies

• Young men and boys were forcibly conscripted

Religious consequences of the Thirty Years War

• Catholics who fought for the Counter Reformation became for fanatical than ever - people whose behaviour deviated from orthodox Catholic practices were labelled as heretics and eventually suspected of witchcraft

Counter Argument; Thirty Years War

• Some historians point out that in many areas, witch-hunting ceased with he arrival of war