The Salem witch trials occurred in colonial Massachusetts between 1692 and 1693. More than 200 people were accused of practicing witchcraft—the Devil’s magic—and 20 were executed. Eventually, the colony admitted the trials were a mistake and compensated the families of those convicted.
What were the 3 causes of the Salem witch trials?
Accusations followed, often escalating to convictions and executions. The Salem witch trials and executions came about as the result of a combination of church politics, family feuds, and hysterical children, all of which unfolded in a vacuum of political authority.
Who was accused in the Salem witch trials and why?
The afflicted girls soon accused three women: the Parris’ “Indian” slave, Tituba; a local beggar woman, Sarah Good; and an invalid widow, Sarah Osbourne. As local magistrates began questioning the accused, people packed into a tavern to witness the girls come face to face with the women they had accused of witchcraft.
What happened to the accusers of the Salem witch trials?
What Happened to the Girls? Most of the accusers in the Salem trials went on to lead fairly normal lives. Betty Parris, Elizabeth Booth, Sarah Churchill, Mary Walcott, and Mercy Lewis eventually married and had families. … Ann Putnam, Jr. , stayed in Salem Village for the rest of her life.
What types of punishment were used for those accused of witchcraft?
Many faced capital punishment for witchcraft, either by burning at the stake, hanging, or beheading. Similarly, in New England, people convicted of witchcraft were hanged.
Who were the main accusers in the Salem witch trials?
The core group of Salem accusers included Elizabeth Parris (9), Abigail Williams (11), Ann Putnam Jr (12), Elizabeth Hubbard (17), Susannah Sheldon (18), Mary Walcott (18), Mercy Lewis (19) and Mary Warren (20).
Who was the first accused of witchcraft in Salem?
It was because of this “evidence” that 19 people were hanged and one man was pressed to death during the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. The first person to be tried, found guilty, and hanged on June 10, was the innocent Bridget Bishop.
Who was the only accuser to apologize?
Ann Putnam
| Annie Putnam | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 18, 1679 Salem Village, Massachusetts Bay Colony |
| Died | 1716 (aged 36–37) Massachusetts Bay Colony |
| Known for | Accuser in the Salem witch trials |
| Parent(s) | Thomas Putnam (father) Ann (née Carr) Putnam (mother) |
Who accused Bridget Bishop of witchcraft?
Bridget Bishop was indicted again for witchcraft on April 19, 1692, along with Marry Warren, Giles Corey and Abigail Hobbs. <20> She was accused by Mercy Lewis and Ann Putnam. Her examination was held before John Hathorne and Jonathan Corwin at the Corwin home.
What famous female was accused of being a witch?
Nineteen were hanged, and one, Giles Corey, was pressed to death. Altogether, about 200 people were tried.
…
| Bridget Bishop | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Housewife |
| Criminal charge(s) | Witchcraft (overturned), conspiracy with the Devil (rehabilitated) |
| Criminal penalty | Death |
| Criminal status | Executed (10 June 1692) Exonerated (31 October 2001) |
When was witchcraft made legal?
The Witchcraft Act of 1542 was England’s first witchcraft law, enacted during Henry VIII’s reign.
How did hot iron determine guilt or innocence?
Ordeal by hot iron: the accused person would carry a burning hot iron so many paces without being burned to prove their innocence. Ordeal by cold water: the accused was dunked into a pool of water. If they were innocent they would sink, and if they were guilty, they would float.