The Salem Witch Trials Essay - 1674 Words

Although many people have their assumptions as to what specifically caused the Salem Witch Trials, no one has a definite account. One must use logic and prior knowledge to come to the conclusion and realize that multiple factors play a key role in causing the trials. The Salem Witch Trials were caused by religion, politics, teenage boredom, family feuds, economic conditions, and fears of the people. The overall effect of the trials was a major part in American history, not only was it a learning experience for but also present day America. The country can learn how to prevent future outbreaks due to fear and how to cope with loss. During the spring of 1692, a hysteria swept through the little town of Salem, Massachusetts (present-day†¦show more content†¦Thus, witchcraft was considered a sin because it denied God’s superiority, and a crime because the witch could call up the Devil in his/her shape to perform cruel acts against others.† Many of the people accused of witchcraft were merely vulnerable outcasts that the girls sought out to blame. Throughout the Salem Witch Trials people relied on the church to give them answers to everything. One was told that he or she should keep their trust and faith in the hands of the church. Everyone during these trials thought they were doing the right thing for their community, as a result 20 innocent people were killed. Salem was under a lot of stress even before the trials ever took place. From 1680 to 1730 Salem experienced the coldest weather in recorded history for the town. It caused many crops to not adequately grow and added to the witchcraft hype. Back in this time period religion was taken very seriously. In fact it was against the law to not attend church. Men and women would sit on different sides if the church service was particularly long. Puritans not only believed in god, but the devil as well. They believed the following, â€Å"Everyone was faced with the struggle between the powers of good and evil, but Satan would select the weakest individuals—women, children, the insane—to carry out his work. Those who followed Satan were considered witches. Witchcraft was one of the greatest crimes a person could commit, punishable by