The Effect of the Salem Witch Trials on Puritanism

The Salem witch trials had a drastic affect on the Puritan religion. The trials helped shape and point the direction for the New England Colonies and the Puritan religion. The Salem witch trials outbreak began in 1692. In the past, there had only been about five convictions of people being accused of witchcraft; none of this resulted in any deaths(Wilborn 16). Usually just a fine was given, but by the end of 1692 there was already 150 arrests (17). Whether you were rich or poor, it didn’t seem to matter, anyone and everyone was being accused. No one felt safe at this time (Trask ix). Salem was one of the larger towns of the Massachusetts Bay area. It was first occupied by in 1626, and was originally called Naumkeag; a word that derived†¦show more content†¦Many of the villagers felt there was status difference between them and the townspeople of Salem; which the Salem villagers resented (Trask xi). The villagers also did not like the distance they had to travel in or der to attend services, nor did they approve of the progressive message they had being preached to them (Griffeth 163). In 1667 the villagers petitioned to be exempt from â€Å"military watches†. There reasons for the petition was said to be due to the fact that they were so remote there really was no watches. This however was a sign the villagers were pushing to be on its own, independent form their â€Å"mother† community. Salem however was resistant to this, because they had already lost a significant amount of territory and did not want to lose one of its valuable and taxable towns. For almost a century, Salem delayed in approving this petitions; using counter-proposals and political clout to put off giving Salem Village any independence (Trask xi). In 1670 the villagers went to Salem Villages General Court to petition to be allowed to establish and build the towns own meeting house or church and to be allowed to hire a minister to preach to their community. In 16 72 Salem gave in to Salem Villages request due to their religious arguments. Salem was allowed to build its first â€Å"parish† or church. The villagers were also allowed to elect amongst themselves, a five man committee to find a minister for the community. This throughout the years wasShow MoreRelatedThe Salem Witch Trials of 1692941 Words   |  4 PagesA. Plan of the investigation The Salem Witch Trials of 1692 were a dark and very crucial time in American history. The late sixteen hundreds consisted of relying on young girls for the truth; but to what extent did the puritan’s religion and culture have in the proceedings of the Salem Witch Trials? A focus on the religion that the puritans believed in and their culture will be discussed. 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