Decline - Emperor Ferdinand II

Question 1

When did Emperor Ferdinand II get involved?

Answer 1

1630 - the same year as a steep decline in hunts

Question 2

What did Von Dornheim issue in July 1927?

Answer 2

• Proclamation stating those giving false testimony should be flogged and a whipping post was erected.
• This however was only to protect his inner circle as accusations had been made against Fredrick Forner
• Asked as a warning against further slander

Question 3

How was Emperor Ferdinand II involved in the case of Dorothea Flock?

Answer 3

• Bamberg councillor, Georg Heinrich Flock accused and fled to Nuremberg so his wife arrested
• The family initially appealed to Ferdinand due to health and the newborn child.
• Von Dornheim wrote to Emperor dispelling concerns
• Accused Flock of being untruthful
• Pope and Emperor told to stop and attach all documents related to the trial (review with imperial Holfrat)
• Dornheim rushed trial and executed (burnt alive)

Question 4

What was questioned during the Dorothea Flock case?

Answer 4

• Immediate - Protests from relatives - bitter letter to Ferdinand claiming it was illegal and contrary to religious law
• Questioned proceedings due to:

1. Not able to question testimony or hire a lawyer
2. Uncredible witnesses
3. No additional evidence to support confessions.

Question 5

How was the imperial chamber court involved in the case of Dorothea Flock?

Answer 5

• Two escapees sent complaints directly to the emperor
• They compelled Von Dornheim to take immediate action to preserve his reputation
• Donheim sent two witch-commissioners Dr Harsee and Dr Schwartzkonz to the Diet of Regensburg to defend
• Presented case to the Aulic Council (high court)
• William Lamormaini and Count von Furstenberg already sceptical
• Felt Ferdinand’s position would be jeopardised if he tolerated the persecutions

Question 6

What did Emperor Ferdinand eventually do after Dornheim’s representatives met at Aulic Court?

Answer 6

• Sent letter to Dornheim forcing documentation
• This included Barbara Schwarz (Had fled to Vienna after escaping from the witch-prison)
• Criticised over-zealous use of torture and disregard for imperial decrees.
• Further documents were copies he demanded originals
• Dornheim refused and sent transcripts
• Despite claims, 25 had arrested had gone ahead

Question 7

What was included in the letter from Georg Wilhelm Dumler to the emperor?

Answer 7

• Hundreds of respectable people have suffered as a result of torture and false accusations
• Insufficient proof
• Eg. His wife was tortured and had a miscarriage.
• Carolina Law Codes permitted advocate or lawyer which was denied in Bamberg trials
• Closed doors by the commissioners not civil court.

Question 8

What did Emperor Ferdinand do on 12 June 1931?

Answer 8

• Appointed new director of the witch-commission - Dr Anton Winter
• Decreed all future trials should be conducted according to Carolina Law Code
• Confiscation of property was forbidden

Question 9

How did Von Dornheim respond to Ferdinand’s new provisions for witch hunts?

Answer 9

• Refused to release those still held in custody
• Only the advance of the Swedish army that encouraged him to flee and end persecutions