Salem Witchcraft Trials Essay by hicaliber

This paper stresses that, when viewing the Salem witch trials as a historically ignominious phenomenon from the perspective of the late 17th century, the modern historian must remember that the pre-Enlightenment, Calvinist, Puritan mind was very different from American morality today. The author points out that, during the time leading up to the witchcraft trials, Salem, an early American community, was in the process of experiencing many economic, social and other changes, which affected the power structure, atmosphere and suspicious moods of the Salem dwellers, especially the wealthiest, most powerful and most influential citizens. The paper relates that the aftermath of the Salem witch trials was a period of atonement and reflection; centuries later, these trials of 1692 remain a permanent stain on American history and collective conscious.