Salem Witch Trials

typical characteristics of a new england witch

1. low social status

2. middle aged

3. not a typical puritan woman

4. did not attend church regularly

Bible verse that prompted puritans to execute witches

exodus 22:18 "thou shalt not suffer a witch to live"

Book used to determine if one was a witch

The hammer of the witches

what was the point of the swimming/water test

water was pure, if one floated she was a witch, if she drowned she was innocent

how did tituba expose the girls to witchcraft

1. palmistry

2. egg in a glass of water (future husband)

3. primitive glass ball (future husband)

why was witchcraft considered treason?

it was going against the church, which was going against the king

who were the first women arrested for witchcraft? how were they alike?

sarah osborne, sarah good and tituba. bottom of the social ladder, did not attend church

Spectral Evidence

accepted evidence in the Salem Witch Trials that was a simple claim by a witness of seeing a spirit

The first victim of the Salem witch trials

bridget bishop

what happened if one was accused of witchcraft and confessed? or didn't?

they were forgiven for confession, believed their soul could be saved. they were found guilty with no confession and were hanged

How many people died?

19 by hanging, 1 pressed to death

why did people doubt the girls accusations?

people accused were too high up on the social ladder, an excessive amount of accusations, some wives of men on the court were accused

why would girls accuse?

attention seeking, trying to get away with sinning, to gain land or believed they were possessed

which of the ten commandments plays a crucial role in the crucible

thou shalt not commit adultery

how did puritans feel about dancing or pleasantries?

dancing was a cardinal sin, and happy things were inspired by the devil

Theocracy

A government controlled by religious leaders

how did puritans think of the devil

he was an active enemy against us, he was living in the forests outside the village, he used witches as helpers

how did people become witches?

they entered a covenant with the devil

what happened after the trials ended?

the government reinstated the accused's reputations and gave their families money

how did the puritans expect women to behave

quiet, submissive

when did the trials end and begin?

february 1692-May 1693