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By: Ilea Coomer, McKay Carter, & Abby Harper. What Events led to these trials?. Strong belief that Satan was acting in the world A time of troubles (Smallpox, Congregational strife in Salem Village, & Frontier wars with Indians) Teenage Boredom
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What Events led to these trials? • Strong belief that Satan was acting in the world • A time of troubles (Smallpox, Congregational strife in Salem Village, & Frontier wars with Indians) • Teenage Boredom • Confessing “witches” made the others accused more believable. • Old feuds spurring charges of witchcraft
Who was involved? • Betty Parris and her cousin Abigail- They acted as if they were possessed. • Tituba-Accused by Betty and Abigail of witchcraft • Sir William Phips-Governor of Massachusetts during witch trials. • William Stoughton-Chief Justice presiding over the court
What were the outcomes? • 156 people accused---55 pleaded guilty • When leading people of the colony began to be accused, they put a stop to the trials. • Many of the accused still in jail because they couldn’t pay for their release • Crop failures and epidemics bothered Salem for years after the trial • Reverend Parris and his family left Salem
How do historians interpret these trials? • Unjust • Became known for mass hysteria and superstition.