The Salem Witch Trials

The Salem Witch Trails which took place during 1692, in the colony of Salem, Massachusetts is a bleak time in American history. They were a number of trials in which people (mostly women) were accused of witchcraft and therefore being in league with the Devil.

These absurd accusations show one of many instances in which American society became fragile and essentially weak. The Salem Witch Trails were ‘fuelled by residents’ suspicions’, due to illnesses and a fear of the Native America tribes attacking the colony the citizens created a scapegoat. This shows that there was a clear vulnerability in society at the time, it also gives an insight into how strong and powerful religion was to society at the time and how this eventually fuelled citizens into claiming that the supernatural elements were at work in the colony of Salem. Due to this and the significance in the cruelty of the punishments, which were suppressed onto the people, it makes it a compelling aspect of American history.