Discussion 3.0

Which person whom you read about in the essays and/or documents in Kerber in Module 3 do you find most interesting or remarkable? Why?

An overview of the accusers and some of the accused in the 1692-93 witch trials in Salem, MA. What is missing is the broader context of Puritan anxiety over a number of problems, including wars with Indians, crop failures, epidemic diseases, political turmoil in England and in the colonies, as well as declining religious fervor. These problems led many to believe they had lost God’s favor, thus they were more susceptible than ever to accusations of witchcraft. In short, rooting out witches was seen as a way to reclaim God’s favor and thereby end these difficulties.