The Salem witch trials have fascinated and perplexed scholars since 1692. However, it seems that there are more logical theories out there than sorcery.
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In 1692 the settlement of Salem, Mass. came under intense duress. The cause? Witch hysteria.
Within the span of a year, 20 people had been executed and hundreds arrested after being accused of witchcraft. Since then, the events of the Salem witch trials have fascinated and perplexed scholars.
What caused this quiet Puritan town to descend into total paranoia and persecution? This question is still debated today.
Here we will look at six modern theories as to what may have caused the Salem witch trial.
Salem Witch Trials: Impact Of The Native American Wars
Getty ImagesProtected by a smoke screen caused by burning dry grasses, this wagon proceeded towards a garrison house and in ramming it, the Native Americans tried to ignite the wooden forts.
A number of new theories have suggested that the Native American Wars which raged during the 17th century close to Salem may have contributed to the witch hysteria that took hold in 1692.
King Philips War was ongoing at the time, and the front lines were only about 70 miles away from Salem. Most people in Salem had been impacted by the wars in one way or another and many in the Salem were refugees from the war.
Memories of Native American raids and fear of future attacks created an atmosphere of intense anxiety in which violent death could come suddenly.
Several of the “afflicted” had witnessed Native American attacks first hand. It has been suggested that post-traumatic stress from witnessing these terrifying attacks and the culture of fear generated by the continued threat may have played a large role in the hysteria.
Historian Mary Beth Norton suggests the Native American Wars may have impacted the trials in another way.
She contends that the accusation and execution of ex-minister George Burroughs for witchcraft, who led a number of small failed campaigns against the Native Americans, is indicative of the town officials attempt to shift “blame for their own inadequate defense of the frontier” to supernatural causes.
Either way, the Native American Wars played a part in the Salem witch trials.
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