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Summary Of We The People: Salem Witch Trials

499 Words2 Pages

Britian Johnson

Book Report: Salem Witch Trials

The book I am reviewing is titled We The People: Salem Witch Trials, by Michael Burgan. The book was published in 2005 by Compass Point Books. The book consist of 48 pages. It is about men and women, young and old, being accused of witchcraft in the late 1600's, And how the Puritan community of Salem dealt with it.

The events stated in the book took place in Salem, Massachusetts. It began when 4 girls, 2 being young girls by the names of Abigail Williams and Betty Paris, were struck with a strange sickness. A town doctor declared the girls had been "bewitched". So the girls began accusing people of being witches. Witches were said to be men and women that make deals with the devil and to worship …show more content…

Puritans were Christians who wanted to "purify" English churches. Being extremely religious people, the Puritans seen witches to be an "enemy of god and a danger to Christians", according to the book. Obviously, in England, which ruled over Massachusetts, witchcraft was illegal. Unfortunately, it was difficult to actually prove people were legitimately witches; which is why so many people were accused and sentenced to death with little factual evidence.

By 1692, 19 men and women had been hung due to witchcraft. Many that were accused and confessed often died in jail. By 1692, Dozens were accused and were waiting to go to trial. By then, people began to think the witch hunt had gone too far. Many doubted the large amount of witches would be in such a small area. People were also skeptical of some being accused due to their strong Puritan status, which upset many. One Boston Merchant by the name of Thomas Brattle began to question the weak facts

used to accuse people, and disliked many of the tests done upon accused witches and claiming they weren't accurate. By this time, even ministers began to speak out. Governor Phips halted the arrest of alleged witches. He freed many who were accused and closed the court. The remaining accused witches were pardoned and freed

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