TED-Ed: What really happened during the Salem Witch Trials

The Salem witch trials were a series of hearings and prosecutions of people accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts between 1692 and 1693. The trials were fueled by paranoia, religious fervor, and a flawed justice system. Accusations began with young girls exhibiting strange behaviors, leading to the arrest of several women. Many confessed under pressure to avoid execution. The trials accepted dubious evidence, and many were executed or imprisoned. The trials ended when accusations spread to powerful figures, prompting the governor to halt proceedings. The events serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of fear and scapegoating.

What were the main factors that contributed to the witchcraft accusations in Salem?

Describe the role of Tituba in the Salem witch trials.

What was the significance of the cold winter of 1692 in the context of the trials?

How did the justice system in Salem prioritize repentance over truth?

What were the consequences for those who confessed to witchcraft?

Explain the concept of 'spectral evidence' and its impact on the trials.

What ultimately led to the suspension of the witch trials in Massachusetts?