How did the salem witch trials begin? what happened after a few girls were accused of being witches? what’s one example of a test an accused may be asked to complete? how was physical evidence considered in the trials? what role did witnesses play in the trials? what happened if an accused confessed to witchcraft? how many people were executed for witchcraft in salem by 1693? why did the trials end? what’s one possible theory for what caused the salem witch trials?

How did the Salem Witch trials begin?

The Salem witch trials began in 1692, after some girls in Salem Village, Massachusetts, said that they were possessed by the devil and blamed three women for having afflicted them: a slave a beggar and an old impoverished woman.  

What happened after a few girls were accused of being witches?

In September 1692, the hysteria began to spread throughout Massachusetts, and a special court was established to hear the cases. Next June, the first woman was hanged and eighteen others followed. By September 1962 the hysteria had extended and public turned against the trials,

What’s one example of a test an accused may be asked to complete?

One example that an accused may be asked to complete is: Lying tests and questionnaires.  

How was physical evidence considered in the trials?

very little physical evidence was considered. Usually behaviors were used as evidence.

What role did witnesses play in the trials?

Witness usually had to go along with the General Court.

What happened if an accused confessed to witchcraft?

If an accused confessed they were sentenced to death.

How many people were executed for witchcraft in Salem by 1693?

Twenty people had been executed by 1693  

Why did the trials end ?

Judge Samuel Sewall confessed he may have erred and in January 1697, the General Court ordered the community to fast and soul-search.  In 1702, the court declared the trials illegal and soon passed a bill granting £600 restitution to the victims’ heirs.  

1. women started exhibiting weird behavior

2. these women would name more "witches" like them

3. recite the lords prayer

4. look at birthmarks, mole and other blemishes on the body believed it could be a sign of Satan

5. confess of behavior

6. confessor would repent

7. 20 people and 2 dogs

8. governor wife was accused

9. these women wanted attention

( these are right,)

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