Salem Witch Hunt Flashcards
When did the Salem Witch Hunt take place?
1692-1693
How many people were accused and killed?
200 accused
20 killed
What is unusual about the aftermath of the hunt?
The accusers apologies in the years after for causing the deaths of innocent people
When did England begin to colonise?
Early 1600s, same time as witch hunting was flourishing
Which were the first two English colonies in N. America?
Virginia (1607): mainly Catholic refugees escaping persecution in England
Massachusetts Bay (1620): mainly Puritans who were mindful of the Devil and witches
What was life for colonists living in New England like?
The communities were small and isolated
no awareness of the world around them
New England had a population of around 100,000
Salem = 1400 people
How did colonial puritanism compare to English puritanism?
They were more militant in colonies like Massachusetts, and refused to tolerate other religious denominations
How were people in Salem ruled?
Theocracy
Every aspect of life followed strict religious principles and the clergy were highly respected
Was there a history of witch trials in the colonies?
Yes
1647, Alice Young was executed in Connecticut
27 were hung before the Salem trials
Many more subject to fines, whipping and exile
What was the Glorious Revolution?
1688, King James II was peacefully removed from the throne by William and Mary
King James II had been a strict Catholic, and parliament were worried about the changes
What happened in Salem after the Revolution?
People revolted against Governor Andros (appointed by James) as they resented him
Rebels led by Increase and Cotton Mather
Andros was captured and sent to England to face trial
How did King William react to the rebellion?
He was fearful that it would fall into religious rule and so enforced rules
1691 Massachusetts was given a new charter which enforced to follow English law and religious toleration
What impact did the new charter have on the people of Salem?
People of Salem felt their way of life was under threat from outside forces. There was a lack of legal authority due to less representation from local Puritan leaders.
When things went wrong, they saw the Devil at work.
What was the history of of colonial and Indian relations?
There had been Indian attacks from the early days of European settlement
1675-1678: First Indian War destroyed towns across Massachusetts (1/10 military age men killed)
What happened after the overthrow of Andros?
Salem’s defences were weakened
Attacks were common and colonists were regularly killed
Outsiders who survived attacks moved into the community
King William’s War – the Second Indian War (1688-1697)
What was the Puritan perception of Indians?
Indians were Devil-worshippers
Indian attacks fostered a deep-seated paranoia concerning God’s willingness to allow the Devil’s agents (Indians) to punish Puritan settlers
What impact did the First Indian War have on New England?
It destroyed half of New England’s towns
Including Springfield which was significant trading and agriculture center due to its fertile soil and location on two trade routes
The economy didn’t recover for another 100 years
How did society change as a result after the war?
There was population growth of 3% and new towns were established
People adapted and it meant settler’s livelihoods were not entirely destroyed
How did government actions affect the economy of Massachusetts?
Colonists asked for military assistance, this led to a tax increase in the 1680s
The Navigation Acts (1651, 1660, 1662, 1673)
Placed limitations on trading ships to prevent Dutch monopoly on trade
It reduced the amount of money and resources coming into Massachusetts
How was Salem run?
As a theocracy
A system of government where God is held as supreme ruler and the clergy are involved in the day-to-day running of the state
How was the Scientific Revolution received by the Puritans?
It was largely ignored