What are some theories as to why the Salem Witch Trials happened?

Answer 1

Lack of intelligence + misunderstanding of The Bible......basic Puritanism

Ergot

EDIT:

The first comment is what is charged with making people think the trials were morally right.

Theories for why the afflcited were afflicted include Ergotism, Encephalitis and MPD.

Answer 2

1. There was Ergot, a fungus, growing on the wheat that had been eaten over the winter of 1691-92, the very winter the Trials began. Ergot can either have no affect or cause symptoms like pain and stiffness in the limbs, which could explain the fits, and hallucinations similiar to the ones caused by LSD that could be responsible for seeing the spectors of the witches.

2. The Town-Village feud/ Porter-Putnam feud. The town and village had their differences in the later 1600s, which is why Salem Village wanted their own church. Salem Village was fiercly Puritan, wheras Salem Town was becoming more and more liberal, actually wanting money. That lead Village citizens to try to bring down the richer Town out of jealousy.

3. The Witch Trials have also been described as Puritanism last attempt to retain control in the colony as it was losing out to people who came to Massachusetts to make money and not for religious reasons. When Betty Parris fell ill, the unpopular and close to being fired, Reverand Samuel Parris blamed witchcraft because Massachusetts was out of favor with "god". The attention caused other girls to fake affliction to get the attention for themselves. Ministers supported it because as long as Puritanism was powerful in Massachusetts, they were powerful.

Answer 3

1. Guilt

2. Puritanism's last ditch attempt at keeping control

3. Ergot in the rye or wheat

4. Village-Town feuding

5. Encephalitis