The witch craze Flashcards
What societal factors in the 16th century led to the belief in witches?
Fear and superstition due to limited scientific knowledge
People believed witches caused plagues, poverty, and hardship.
What is the title of the book written by King James VI regarding witches?
Demonologie
The book served as a guide to identify and catch witches.
According to Demonologie, what were common characteristics of witches?
- A woman (usually old)
- Owned an animal (usually a cat or bird)
- Had a birthmark or defect
- Had no shadow
- Lived alone or with other women and children
- Held ceremonies with other women
These characteristics contributed to the stereotype of witches.
What were the North Berwick witch trials of 1596 known for?
First witch trials in Britain
James accused witches of conjuring storms to kill him and his wife.
What was the fate of those accused of witchcraft during the North Berwick trials?
Often tortured to obtain confessions; 70-200 witches killed
This marked the beginning of a widespread witch craze.
Who were typically accused of witchcraft in the Pendle witch trials of 1612?
Old, poor, and Catholic individuals
Accusations arose after a curse led to family accusations.
What torture methods were used in the Pendle witch trials?
Scolds bridle and torture to extract confessions
Many accused were sentenced to death.
Who was Matthew Hopkins and what role did he play in witch trials?
A famous witch catcher in the 1640s
He used various torture methods and arrested 250 people, leading to 100 executions.
What methods did Matthew Hopkins use to identify witches?
- Swim test
- Forcing people to stay awake without food
- Gossip and rumors
These methods were part of his witch-catching strategies.
What changes occurred in society in the late 1600s regarding beliefs about witchcraft?
Development of science provided alternative explanations for events
Economic problems and famine became less common, reducing reliance on witchcraft explanations.
