Paper 3: witch Craze (Bamberg - Context)

Question 1

What were the growing religious tensions targeting?

Answer 1

Women and sexual activity, individuals with different political views, those with established reputations for healing, and the upper classes due to a law allowing the confiscation of witches’ property.

Question 2

What was the legal framework regarding witchcraft?

Answer 2

There was a limited centralized legal framework to use against witches.

Question 3

What happened in the Bamberg region before 1623?

Answer 3

Growing concerns about witchcraft led to von Aschhausen inviting Jesuits to settle in Bamberg, which contributed to the growth of anti-Protestantism.

Question 4

What was the impact of Protestant preachers in some areas?

Answer 4

Protestant preachers were being protected, enhancing the link between Protestantism and witches in the eyes of the Roman Catholic authorities.

Question 5

What ended the increase in witch trials in 1619?

Answer 5

A group of moderates on the local council brought the increase in trials to an end.

Question 6

Who became prince-bishop in 1623 and what was the effect?

Answer 6

Von Dornheim became prince-bishop, which removed opposition to witch hunts.