Essays on Salem Witch Trials

May 1692 - October 1692

United States

The Salem witch trials were a series of prosecutions of people accused of witchcraft that occurred in colonial Massachusetts, that caused 19 convicted “witches” to be hanged and many other suspects to be imprisoned.

Belief in the supernatural and in the devil had emerged in Europe as early as the 14th century, and was widespread in colonial New England.

In January 1692, mass hysteria erupted in Salem Village, Massachusetts, when 9-year-old Elizabeth Parris, 11-year-old Ann Putnam and 11-year-old Abigail Williams were diagnosed with bewitchment. Since then, the story of the trials has become synonymous with paranoia and injustice. On June 10, Bridget Bishop became the first person executed for witchcraft during the Salem witch trials.

In January 1697 the General Court of Massachusetts declared a day of fasting and contemplation for the tragedy that had resulted from the trials. As years passed, apologies were offered and restitution was made to the victims’ families.