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Overall, the Salem Witch Trials were based on such awful ideas and unjust evidence. They thought people were "witches" just because they might look odd, speak oddly, dress odd, have "evil spirits" within them, etc. They thought people were "bewitched" by others when in reality those symptoms of mania, hallucinations, and vertigo were most likely not from "evil spirits". We can learn from this that you need real rock-solid evidence, not just opinions and fabricated evidence that can decide a man, woman, or child's life.

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"Execution of Mrs. Ann Hibbins"                   by Clarence W. Hobbs, 1886.

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"Execution of Mrs. Ann Hibbins"                   by Clarence W. Hobbs, 1886.

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This painting shows the hanging of a completely healthy woman in Boston, 1656. Ann Hibbins was executed before the Salem Witch Trials, but this was the base of ideals that were also in the Salem Witch Trials by the accusers and prosecutors.

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Ergot is a fungus that grows on rye, a common New England crop during colonization. Many women and children (occasionally men) are infected by it through the eating of contaminated rye bread. The symptoms of Ergot contamination are identical to the symptoms of "bewitchment" during the Salem Witch Trials, like. The rye seed season matches the timing of the Salem events. The weather where contamination is at is greatest matches the Salem events. This could be and most likely is one of the causes behind the Salam Witch Trials and Executions.

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This document gives a different view of the story of the "afflicted children". Charles W. Upham. He claims those children were actors, and falsifying their symptoms of being "bewitched" to create excitement and mischief. However, their little skit was successful and caused 25 deaths from February 1692- March 1693.

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In 1689, 3 years before the Salem Witch Trials and Executions, Cotton Mather begins warning the Salem people of "evil spirits all around", and that New England has already had many examples of those evil spirits at work. He encourages people to stay loyal to God and continue worshiping him, but also says Christians have been under the annoyance of the people with evil spirits. This incited violent thoughts amongst the people of Salem and ultimately led to the Salem Witch Trials.

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"Accused of Witchcraft"                             by Douglas Volk, 1884

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"Accused of Witchcraft"                             by Douglas Volk, 1884

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This painting shows also shows a young lady who is accused of being a "witch", and she clings to her father as the policemen have come to arrest her and put her on trial. There is also a man in a hooded cloak/cape on the left, and this could be a representation of evil, and that evil was the mastermind behind the Salem Witch Trials. Maybe evil poisoned the peoples' minds to make them do such awful things to innocent people.

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In Exodus 22:18 of The Bible (King James Version) it states... "Thou shall not suffer a witch to live." This helps me realize how the accusers thought back then. They were all very religious and followed The Bible, so they took this scripture to mean that if there are many people who look odd, speak odd, dress odd, have "evil spirits" within them, etc. it is their righteous duty to murder those people. This started causing that hatred and suspicions between the peoples of Salem.

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"I am no more a witch than you are a wizard. If you take my life away, God will give you blood to drink."                            - Sarah Good

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"I am no more a witch than you are a wizard. If you take my life away, God will give you blood to drink."                            - Sarah Good

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Sarah Good was accused of being a witch and eventually was hung on July 19. Also, her infant child was born in prison and died prior to July 19. All this commotion of the Salem Witch Trials affected her, and wrongfully so. By this quote, Sarah Good meant it was absurd to think she was a witch without any real rock-solid evidence. Basically, if she was a "witch", then anybody else could be one, too! Essentially, the accusers and prosecutes think they are doing the right thing, but Sarah believes God will punish them for their actions.

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Document B is a very interesting document with good information, and it helps people remember those who lost their lives unjustly and wrongfully. However, just stating the names and manner of execution for the people is not enough information to assist me with the essential question... "What Caused the Salem Witch Trials?" Instead, Document B would greatly inform me to answering the question... "Who was AFFECTED by the Salem Witch Trials?"

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"Examination of a Witch"                                 by Thompkins H. Matteson, 1853.

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"Examination of a Witch"                                 by Thompkins H. Matteson, 1853.

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This painting shows a young lady being examined for markings/scars that could prove she is a "witch". This was commonly done to many people during the Salem Witch Trials.

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The Salem Witch Trials took place in the colony of Massachusetts from February 1692 to March 1693. Hundreds of people were accused of being "witches" and "bewitching others". Religious people held investigations and trials against the suspects. Eventually, 19 people were expected by hanging, 5 died in jail, and 1 was pressed to death.