Salem Witch Trials
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The Cause of the Salem Witch Trials
One of the most peculiar occurrences in American history includes the Salem witch trials. Historians today are still perplexed on exactly what the reason is behind this event. However, from evidence left mostly from records, given the European culture of witchcraft and magic, the accusers truly believed that some people were possessed by the devil and thus were practitioners of the occult art.
The one event that has forever marked the Puritans as incurably devilish is their opposition to the devil in Salem. The witch trials became the essence of Puritanism. These settlers traveled to the New World from England, also bringing with them their beliefs and rituals. Being that in Europe witchcraft was a criminal act, thousands who were found guilty were executed by burnings at the stake during the Inquisition. This period of "witch-hunting" lasted over two hundred years because others truly believed Satan took form of local people. Thus, there was a great impact on the English sailing to America seeking religious liberty. This belief still lingered within their minds although problems concerning this did not yet become severe...