1692 Salem Witch Trials

Historians have debated on what was the main cause for the progressive executions of twenty people (fourteen women, six men and two dogs) in the hysteria of the 1692 Salem Witch Trials. Many historians have debated what the cause was varying from PTSD, diet, rivalry between families and neighbours, and the oppression of women based on the Puritan culture. To judge this however, I will look at what cause had the most long lasting impact, of which I will be focusing on the following; religious views in the Puritan culture, the oppression of women, war and the rivalry between the two main families occupying Salem Town and Salem Village: the Putnams and the Porters. But how did the trials start? In Salem, it began when Abigail Williams (eleven years old) and Betty Parris (nine years …show more content…
Tituba was imprisoned for thirteen months, along with Sarah Osborne who died in prison and Goody was hanged on Tuesday 19th July 1692. The months following led to more than 200 people accused and Bridget Bishop whose wit and independent spirit led to her hanging. I believe that the main cause was the oppression of women because those who were accused broke the social norms by either inheriting, being an outsider, being independent, or infertile by menopause. For example, Martha Corey was a single parent and she openly criticised the court of Oyer and Terminor as well as the judges involved. She was only seventeen years old and new to Salem, making her an