Salem Witch Trial and How it Relates to Government essays

Salem Witch Trial and How it Relates to Government essays In 1692, the Massachusetts Bay Colony was the site of a major historical event. This infamous event, the Salem Witch Trials, was a major injustice in America's history. Once the accusations started, all Hell broke lose. By the time the trials were over, nineteen people and two dogs were hanged, and one man was pressed. Of the 150 people imprisoned, fifty-five of them had confessed to witchcraft. To begin to understand how civilized people could act in such barbaric ways, one needs to know some background information about the village and its citizens. The people who lived in Salem Village were Puritans. They followed and interpreted the Bible literally, and without question. As many people know, the Bible states, "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live" (Exodus 22.18). To the Puritans, this meant that if there was a witch, they had an obligation to kill him/her. Also, the people of Salem, like the people of Europe, believed that witches existed and that many of them were evil. People believed in witchcraft, even when it contradicted scientific evidence proving that it did not exist. It is important to note that the magic that was "evil" was black magic, or magic that was used maliciously against another. Black magic witches were believed to have "entered into 'covenants' with the Devil". White magic, which was used for good luck charms and fortune telling, was not banned. Another important point about this particular village was the events that led up to 1692. In 1684, their charter, the Massachusetts Bay charter, was revoked. In 1688, there were many attacks from the Indians and the French. There were also other bewitchings. That same year, Reverend Cotton Mather cured the Goodwin children after a witch "bewitched them". The old woman who confessed to the crime was subsequently hanged. In early 1692, a major earthquake in Jamaica killed 1700 people. With all these occurrences, it is no wonder how the people of Salem Village jump...