# data[].attributes.headline
Changes in the status of the devil in popular belief 

# data[].attributes.subject
Changes in the status of the devil in popular belief 

# data[].attributes.body
perceptions of the devil

# data[].attributes.body
Once the Witch-Hunts had become an international phenomenon, the effects of mass death started to appear internationally.

# data[].attributes.body
As the idea of absolutist governments grew, with a sole Monarch exercising all executive authority, the rate of witch-trials reduced, as the central state, who tended to be more skeptical of diabolical witchcraft, took more control of the justice system.

# data[].attributes.body
As science became more universally accepted, questions were increasingly asked about witchcraft. This meant that less people supported the ways in which the state attempted to stop it, becoming more cynical.

# data[].attributes.body
As soon as people higher up the class system that the peasantry were being accused of witchcraft, trials and executions seemed to dip in numbers because people became sceptical of how honest the accusations were once rich or ordained people became involved.

# data[].attributes.body
The reformation and subsequent counter-reformation led to religious division within Europe. Because of this, both parts of the Church wanted to appear the most heavily condemning of witchcraft, therefore treating witchcraft accusations more harshly

# data[].attributes.body
Between 1560 and 1660 the European population grew significantly. Subsequently, towns and cities became densely populated, allowing idea's to spread quickly without the communication limitations of rural living.

# data[].attributes.body
The majority of Europe already believed in some form of magic, which evolved into the witch craze.

# data[].attributes.body
Most people needed almost every harvest to go well in order to survive. This reduced social security, resulting in increased suspicion of black magic

# data[].attributes.body
During the start of the witch-craze, many argued that as witchcraft was an exceptional crime, it merited the relaxation of restrictions on the use of torture. The justice system moved from being accusitorial to inquisitorial, where torture was used to elicit confessions out of subjects. Langbean argues that it caused the upsurge in witch-hunting, as people who had confessed implicated others under torture, leading to some hunts spiral out of control.

# data[].attributes.body
Started a decline In Europe's population
which then continued in a steady rate, resulting in a weakened economy and social structure

# data[].attributes.body
Helped Prevent

# data[].attributes.body
Contributed