The investigation of witch trials is a disturbing topic in history that sheds light on the dark and superstitious past of humanity. Witch trials were conducted during the early modern period, primarily between the 15th and 18th centuries. These trials aimed to identify, prosecute, and ultimately execute individuals accused of practicing witchcraft. The investigation of witch trials was often triggered by accusations made by individuals who believed that they had been harmed or bewitched by someone. These accusations could stem from personal vendettas, jealousy, or a genuine belief in the existence of witchcraft. Once an accusation was made, an investigation would be launched to gather evidence and determine the guilt or innocence of the accused.
Executed August 19, 1692
George Burroughs, early 40s- Was previously the Minister of Salem Village, arrested in Maine and brought back to Salem for trial. Son-in-law of fellow accused Wilmot Redd (who would later be executed on September 22.)
George Jacobs, Sr., early 70s- arrested along with his granddaughter, who was spared after accusing him.
Martha Carrier, age 38- previously accused of witchcraft and exonerated, was accused of taking the title "Queen of Hell."
As a result he was forced to undergo Peine forte et dure , a process whereby a defendant has increasingly heavier weights placed upon their chest until they either cooperated with the court or died. These sermons were preached from his ordination in 1689, through the summer of trials and executions in 1692, and on into the aftermath of the controversy.
Once an accusation was made, an investigation would be launched to gather evidence and determine the guilt or innocence of the accused. The investigation process followed during witch trials was often deeply flawed and biased. Torture and coercion were routinely used to extract confessions from the accused.
Salem Witch Trials
“Yea, & in our Land (in this, & some neighboring Places) how many, what Multitudes, of Witches & Wizards has the Devil instigated with utmost violence to attempt the overthrow of Religion?”
-Samuel Parris, sermon notes dated September 11, 1692
"Humbly craving continually your prayers and help in this distressed case, so praying almighty God continually to prepare you, that you may be a terror to evil-doers and a praise to them that do well. "
-from a letter by Thomas Putnam to John Hathorne and Jonathan Corwin, April 21, 1692
"Why do you hurt these folks
I hurt no body"
-From the Examination of Mary Black, April 22, 1692
"Our good God is working of miracles. Five witches were lately executed, impudently demanding of God a miraculous vindication of their innocency. Immediately upon this, our God miraculously sent in five Andover witches, who made a most ample, surprising, amazing confession of all their villainies, and declared the five newly executed to have been of their company. "
-from a letter by Cotton Mather to John Cotton, August 5, 1692
"…it is a shamefull thing that you should mind these folks that are out of their wits."
-Martha Carrier
"You're a liar! I'm no more a witch than you are a wizard! If you take my life away, God will give you blood to drink!"
-Sarah Good
"You tax me for a wizard, you may as well tax me for a buzzard. I have done no harm."
-George Jacobs Sr.
". I desire to lie in the dust, and earnestly beg forgiveness of God, and from all those unto whom I have given just cause of sorrow and offence, whose relations were taken away or accused."
-Ann Putnam, Jr.
Methods such as the "witch's mark" and "swimming test" were employed to identify witches. In the "witch's mark" procedure, suspects were stripped naked and examined for any marks or growths believed to be associated with witchcraft. The swimming test involved tying the accused to a chair and submerging them in water. If they floated, it was seen as evidence of their guilt. The investigations were often conducted by local officials and were heavily influenced by prevailing religious beliefs. In many cases, the Church played a significant role in these investigations, with religious leaders being responsible for validating accusations and overseeing the trials. The evidence presented during witch trials often consisted of testimonies from witnesses and alleged victims. These testimonies were often based on hearsay, rumors, and personal beliefs rather than concrete evidence. The reliance on spectral evidence, which included the testimony of supposed demonic entities, further undermined the credibility of these investigations. The investigation of witch trials resulted in the persecution and execution of thousands of individuals, primarily women. The accused were often subjected to horrific punishment, such as public humiliation, torture, and eventual execution by methods such as hanging or burning at the stake. In recent times, the investigation of witch trials has become a significant topic of study for historians and scholars interested in understanding the causes and consequences of these events. These investigations have shed light on the social, political, and religious factors that contributed to the execution of innocent individuals and the widespread fear of witchcraft. In conclusion, the investigation of witch trials was a deeply flawed process influenced by superstition, prejudice, and religious fervor. The use of torture, the reliance on hearsay, and the absence of proper legal procedures resulted in the persecution and execution of innocent individuals. The investigation of witch trials serves as a reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the harm that can be inflicted when people succumb to fear and hysteria..
Reviews for "Witch Hunts in Europe: An Investigation into the Widespread Persecution"
1. Jane - 2 stars
I found "Investigation of witch trials" to be quite disappointing. The writing style was dull and lacked any sort of excitement or intrigue. The author seemed to focus more on historical facts and figures rather than crafting an engaging narrative. Additionally, the book was filled with typos and grammatical errors, which made it difficult to follow along. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for an entertaining read.
2. John - 1 star
I couldn't even finish "Investigation of witch trials" because the author's bias was so evident throughout the entire book. It felt like they had already made up their mind about the subject matter and were simply using historical evidence to support their predetermined beliefs. This made the book feel incredibly one-sided and lacking in objectivity. I was hoping for a more balanced and informative exploration of witch trials, but unfortunately, this book fell far short of my expectations.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
While "Investigation of witch trials" provided some interesting historical context, I found it to be a tedious and dry read overall. The author seemed to go off on tangents and include unnecessary details that only served to confuse the reader. Additionally, the book lacked a clear narrative structure, making it difficult to follow along and understand the main points being made. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to others looking for a comprehensive and engaging exploration of witch trials.