Related historical timeline created with Timeliner (Nobles grad, Tom Snyder)
Source for timeline and my web page:
http://www.salemweb.com/memorial/default.htm
Witchcraft was a serious crime in the 17th century. Even to be accused of witchcraft was dangerous because occasionally, to figure out if one actually was a witch, the accusers would tie the accused up and throw her into the river. If she floated, it was believed that the devil was aiding her and she would be yanked out of the river to be burned at the cross. If she sank, she was presumed innocent and her soul would be at peace. But there was another option if accused of witchcraft: a trial. Probably the most famous trials of witchcraft were those at Salem in 1692, even though witchcraft trials had been happening for a hundred years beforehand in Europe. During these trials, people learned to steer clear of witchcraft. Those who accused people of witchcraft believed it to be a form of devil worship. Out of fear, the so-called witches were tried (most likely unfairly...people tend to react unjustly when they are afraid) and twenty people were executed while hundreds of others had been accused of witchcraft. Those types of people generally accused were women, but men could be accused as well. Either fear or pure ignorance of others' beliefs prompted these witch trials in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692. Whatever the cause or reason, the trials fought against a virtue which we hold so dear today --- FREEDOM.