Salem Witch Trials (feb 1, 1692 – may 1, 1693)

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A series of accusations and trials of witchcraft against members of the Puritan community of Salem. Possibly spurred by the Reverend Samuel Parris and the Putnam family, wishing to push the settlement back to more fundamental and conservative ways, around 200 people were accused, of which 20 were killed. If the accused confessed, their lives were spared, but if they did not confess and were found guilty, they were put to death. These accusations may have been accepted by the community just to settle family scores, the presence of the Devil and witchcraft in the colony represented the religious weakness of the colony. New laws after this event pushed the settlement in a more secular direction and protected the accused more.

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