Listen to the Podcast:
Length: approx. 15min
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Context
The 17th century was all about superstition and belief in the supernatural in North America. In colonial Massachusetts, family feuds, religious fervor and strange afflictions led to around 200 people being charged with witchcraft in the late 1600s. Nick examines how these factors and more led to the infamous Salem Witch Trials and the possible causes of the inflictions, deemed to be the Devil’s work.
Interesting Stuff:
A collection of essays, documents and illustrations from the trials
Study Questions
1. What were some of the reasons given for the charges against the accused?
2. What are some of the possible explanations for the “fits” people would experience?
3. Were the Salem Witch Trials and example of miscarriage of justice? Mass hysteria? Religious fervor? Family feuding?
4. What was the legacy of the Salem Witch Trials? Did anything change after the late 1690s?