Summary: The Salem Witch Trials

The Salem Witch Trials is a series of tragic events that occurred in colonial American history. Hundreds were accused, many sat in jail for months and five died there, nineteen men and women were hanged, one man was pressed to death, and two dogs were allegedly killed. Most people have heard about the Salem Witch Trials, but few know the details about the incident. It all started in February of 1692. Six-year-old Betty Parris, daughter of Reverend Samuel Parris, became suddenly ill. However, this was not the average illness (Salem Witchcraft Trials 1692). Young Betty’s symptoms included convulsive seizures, body contortions, impious screaming, and trance-like states. Soon, her cousin, Abigail Williams, who had recently started staying with them, began showing similar symptoms (The Salem Witch Trials, 1962). The family called in the local doctor, William Griggs, who could not find anything physically wrong with the girls. His only diagnosis was bewitchment. After this diagnosis, other girls in the village began showing the same symptoms. These girls included Ann Putnam Jr., Mercy Lewis, Elizabeth Hubbard, Mary Walcott, and Mary Warren (Staff). Cotton Mather had written a book about witchcraft in 1689. It was called Memorable Providences, Relating to Witchcrafts and Possessions, and it …show more content…
One incident that sparked a wave of opposition was the execution of Giles Corey. He knew that if he were convicted, then his children would not inherit his land, so he refused to stand for trial. In answer to his defiance, the court used “peine forte et dure”. This form of torture consisted of him being stripped naked and strapped down with a board on his chest. Every time he refused to stand for trial, heavy rocks were placed on top of the board. He survived two days of this torture before he died on September 19th. The last eight hangings took place three days later (The Salem Witch