The reasons for the persecution Flashcards
How did isolation affect witch trials?
The community of Salem was isolated from Massachusetts county - heightened the fear of the devil
What groups caused tensions within society?
- Puritans felt out of control
- Native Americans
- Economic divisions
- Women
What internal disputes occured?
- Property disputes
- Church privileges
- Putnams vs Porters
- Grazing rights
What 2 sides of the town disputed?
Salem village and Salem town
What did the Putnams want?
Independence from Salem town, own congregation
What did the Porters want?
Maintain links with Salem town
When was S. Parris appointed vicar?
1689
Who supported Parris?
Putnams
What committee was defeated in 1691 and what was it replaced by?
Rate committee and a Porter group
What did Parris do that lost support for him?
Attempted to increase salary, gain free firewood and ownership of the ministers house
Who was Tituba?
A servant in Parris’ household
What effect did Tituba have on Parris’ children?
Told them stories about voodoo, leading to their fantasies
What initially led to the trials?
The behaviour of Parris’ daughter
What natural occurrences caused people to believe in witchcraft?
Crop failure, illness and hallucinations
Why did people believe these were due to witchcraft?
The Scientific Revolution hadn’t reached US
