What happened during the salem witch trials?
The Salem Witch Trials was a period of mass religious and cultural hysteria in 1692 in Salem, Massachusetts. One hundred and eight-five people were accused of witchcraft and 19 people were executed for the crime.BeginningYoung girls in the town began to act strangely ill with fits, contortions and fever. When these symptoms could not be diagnosed by doctors, the superstitious residents suspected witchcraft.AccusationsThe first three women accused were on the outskirts of town society and easy targets. Soon accusations grew as the afflicted girls named members of the town who supposedly tormented them in spectral form. Townsfolk who displayed unusual behavior were also accused.TrialA court was formed to test subjects. They would be examined for moles, or “witches marks,” and be asked to touch the victims to see if the symptoms would stop.SentencingOver 30 townsfolk were convicted of witchcraft. Nineteen were hanged, and one was crushed by stones. Many others died in prison awaiting tria
