A Brief History of Salem Witch Trials

During the cold New England winter of 1691, four girls gathered to share tales of demonic spirits, incantations, and fortune telling. The leader of such supposed “Devil worshipping,” was the Barbadian slave known simply as Tituba. Little did she know these witchcraft circles would ultimately lead to more than innocent entertainment; Tituba became one of the victims hung at Gallows Hill. Along with her, twenty-three men and women died, and hundreds throughout the Salem Village area were accused of witchcraft. What provoked an entire town to participate in this witch-hunting fury? Many blame the discordant combination of local town politics and Puritan beliefs for the unfortunate events of the Salem witch trials.

In 1688, the townspeople couldn’t not decide if Salem Town should split off from Salem Village or remain as it was. The Putnam family, the most powerful clan in the area, affirmed the village with a separate church under the spiritual guidance of the Rev. Samuel Parris. In accordance with the Puritan faith, ministers were to live simply; however Parris “…not only got a modest salary and free firewood, but the title and deed to the parsonage and its surrounding land (Sutter).” Naturally, the townspeople in favor of sustaining Salem Town refused to support the church. This division in town fellowship fostered a tense and uneasy environment in Salem at that time.

Among the four girls who gathered with Tituba in the winter of 1961 was the Reverend’s daughter Betty Parris. Declared possessed by Satan’s specters, “she dashed about, dove under furniture, contorted in pain, and complained of fever… The widespread belief that witches targeted children made the doctor’s diagnosis increasingly likely (Linder).” Any suspicion of supernatural activity terrified the already vulnerable Puritan townspeople. The Puritans believed that any man willing to interact with the Devil was undermining his faith in God, and that witchcraft was a contract with evil.

Social status and reputation played a large role in the conviction of Salem witches. In addition to Tituba, Sarah Good and Sarah Osborne were the first to be accused of witchcraft. Good was a homeless beggar who muttered unknown words if she was not given money or lodging. The townspeople attributed her “evil curses” to their unhealthy livestock and spoiled crops. Similarly, Sarah Osborne was a hearing-impaired elderly woman who had not attended church regularly. Because Good and Osborne were easy suspects, both women were convicted of witchcraft and sent to a nearby jail.

Before long, anyone believed to be violating Puritan laws was suspected to be a witch; men and women were thrown into jail under spectral evidence and claims of fellow townspeople. It wasn’t until May of 1693 that Governor Philps pardoned the remaining incarcerated “witches.” Residents became skeptical that so many good people could have been witches, and the hysteria subsided. The Parris family left town, excommuniations were annulled, and the Salem residents sought to calm the turmoil the Salem witch trials had caused.

Works Cited

Linder, Douglas. “An Account of Events in Salem.” 06 Dec. 2004. .

Sutter, Tim. “Salem Witchcraft.” 2000-2003. 06 Dec. 2004. .