salem witch trials History Timeline and Biographies

Beginning of the Salem Witch Trials

The Salem witch trials began in January when several young girls in Salem Village, including Betty Parris and Abigail Williams, claimed to be possessed by the devil and accused several local women of witchcraft, marking the start of the infamous Salem witch trials.

Initial Arrests Made

The first three women accused were Tituba, Sarah Good, and Sarah Osborne. Their arrests sparked further accusations and fueled the hysteria surrounding the Salem witch trials.

Warrants and Public Trials Begin

Warrants for arrest were issued by the magistrates, and the first hearings began, which included a public trial for the accused. This initiated a series of hearings and trials that characterized the Salem witch trials.

Increase in Accusations

The fear of witchcraft escalated, leading to an increase in accusations. This greatly expanded the list of those accused in the Salem witch trials to include respected members of the community.

First Executions Take Place

The first executions of the Salem witch trials occurred in June, where Bridget Bishop was hanged. This marked a tragic milestone in the proceedings, further intensifying public fear and paranoia over witchcraft.

The Court of Oyer and Terminer Established

Governor William Phips established the Court of Oyer and Terminer in June to handle the witchcraft cases more efficiently. This court had very lenient standards for evidence, often relying on spectral evidence during the Salem witch trials.

Increase in Trials and Executions

By July, the Salem witch trials saw an alarming rise in both trials and executions, including the execution of Rebecca Nurse, a well-respected elder in the community, highlighting the pervasive nature of the hysteria.

Public Backlash and Resistance Form

As the trials continued, public opinion began to shift against the proceedings. Many began to question the legitimacy of the Salem witch trials, leading to vocal resistance against the court's actions.

End of the Court of Oyer and Terminer

Due to mounting controversies and increasing public dissent, the Court of Oyer and Terminer was disbanded in September, marking a significant turning point in the Salem witch trials.

Last Executions of the Trials

The final executions in the Salem witch trials occurred in October when seven individuals were hanged, including the prominent figure of Giles Corey, who was crushed to death for refusing to enter a plea.

By May 1693, the remaining prisoners accused of witchcraft were released, effectively bringing an end to the Salem witch trials, although the aftermath continued to impact the community for years.

Day of Fasting and Soul-Searching

The Massachusetts General Court proclaimed a day of fasting to atone for the tragedies of the Salem witch trials, recognizing the injustices that had occurred during the hysteria.

In 1702, the court that had tried the witchcraft cases was deemed unlawful, further repudiating the events of the Salem witch trials and their judicial processes.

Long after the trials, the Massachusetts legislature declared a formal acknowledgment that the trials had been a serious mistake, reflecting on the broader lessons learned from the Salem witch trials.

The Massachusetts Legislature formally apologized for the Salem witch trials, recognizing the injustices suffered by the accused and affirming that the trials were a devastating miscarriage of justice.