Salem Witch Hunt Flashcards
When did the first settlers arrive?
1630 - within 12 years, there had been 10,000 who migrated to MBC.
What emerged from successful trading industries?
Merchant class
What made the MBC resistant to King Charles’ attempts to establish the Church of England there?
Their puritan government and influence.
What were the residents required to do, despite it not being compulsory to attend?
Pay a tax to the church.
Why was there an incentive to go to church?
Only church members were given the exclusive right to vote for local officials.
What did Charles attempt to revoke in 1678 and 1671?
The Royal Charter to consolidate all New England colonies into one.
- this would allow for central control, but was formally annulled in 1684.
When did King James replaced Charles?
1685
What was King James able to do?
Administer all of the New England colonies as the Dominion of New England.
What did Andros try to implement, relating to Church services?
Tried to place the Church of England into Puritan services.
What tax did Andros introduce and why?
A tax on all imports and exports because the trade was draining the English Exchequer.
–> MBC hated this
What did Andros dismiss?
He said that all land ownership titles were declared void, and people would have to pay fees to get it back.
What did Andros control?
The number of town meetings allowed.
What did James declare in April 1687?
Made a Declaration of Indulgence in England which suspended penal laws against Catholics.
What did James dissolve?
Parliament, which increased political opposition from establishment.
What did seven leading figures in the political nation do?
Wrote to William of Orange to overthrow James.
When and why was Convention Parliament established?
January 1689, after James left the country in the previous December.
What did the Declaration of Rights affirm?
Some constitutional principles.
What was passed to give many protestant groups freedom?
Toleration Act, May 1689
When did Massachusetts revolt against Andros?
April 1689, after hearing of the English revolution.
- Led by Cotton and Increase Mather.
What had Increase Mather done in 1689-92?
Been in London advocating on behalf of the colony.
Who was in charge of MBC while Mather was away?
Simon Bradstreet.
What happened 18th April 1689?
Rebellious militia began arresting officials and surrounded Andros’ residence, who tried to flee but was captured and sent to England to face trial of Popish Plot.
What was given to Massachusetts in 1691?
Province of Massachusetts Bay.
What were some of William’s policies?
- Voting eligibility based on property ownership, not religious domination.
- Officials appointed by the Crown, not elected.
- Governors could not block any laws passed by council.
When did King Philip’s first ‘Indian War’ take place?
1675-78: impacted many towns around Massachusetts.
How many military-aged men were killed?
1/10.
When did the Second Indian War coincide with?
The Salem trials.
What did Puritans believe about the Indians?
They believed they were devil-worshippers who were against a Godly society.
How can we see the impact of Indian threats on Salem trial?
Many young girls who gave evidence at trials knew many people who were victims.
What was the economic climate like in Massachusetts after the First Indian War?
Heavily damaged, but the population growth alongside the establishment of new towns meant that the settler’s livelihoods were not completely destroyed.