The trials all began in the January 1692. The niece of Reverend Samuel Parris became sick. The doctor of the town, William Briggs, was called to help better the girls health. He diagnosed the ill girl with witchcraft, which sent the entire witchcraft into motion.
The town of Salem was under distress during the time and many were taking notice of devilish action due to the fact of a smallpox outbreak. Many blamed this on the devil. They were also uptight because they were in a rivalry with a nearby town or village, which had tensions high.
Soon, the girls started accusing other men and women to get themselves out of the spotlight. As many as 150 men and women had been accused for worshiping the devil and performing witchcraft. They said that
The town of Salem was under distress during the time and many were taking notice of devilish action due to the fact of a smallpox outbreak. Many blamed this on the devil. They were also uptight because they were in a rivalry with a nearby town or village, which had tensions high.
Soon, the girls started accusing other men and women to get themselves out of the spotlight. As many as 150 men and women had been accused for worshiping the devil and performing witchcraft. They said that