THE SALEM WITCH TRIALS OF 1692: BEWITCHMENT AND BELIEF IN 17TH-CENTURY NEW ENGLAND

Author

• Kyle Owen

Date of Award

2020

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Strain, Christopher

Abstract

The Salem Witch Trials have perplexed historians for years. The true causes of these events remain uncertain. Causal theories have developed; around religious and occultist beliefs, ergotism, the Indian Wars, and village factionalism. This thesis explores each theory and concludes that religious and occultist beliefs were the main cause behind the hysteria that led to the bloodshed of the trials. Puritan theology involved belief in a literal Devil, which led to other occultist beliefs related to witches and witchcraft. Therefore, witchcraft and witch lore are a part of these occultist beliefs which were alive and well in Salem in 1692.

Comments

Includes bibliography.

Recommended Citation

Owen, Kyle, "THE SALEM WITCH TRIALS OF 1692: BEWITCHMENT AND BELIEF IN 17TH-CENTURY NEW ENGLAND" (2020). Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2010 - 2019. 491.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_honors_2/491

Extent

45 p.

Identifier

FA00003719