What was the cause and beliefs of the Salem Witch Trials? In the fourteenth century there was a belief that the devils practice were given to certain humans (History.com). Two young girls believed this because of the aftereffects of war, a smallpox epidemic, a fear of native american attacks,and a rivalry with a Salem town (History.com). In 1684 King Charles Ⅱ removed the Massachusetts Bay Colony’s Act because of the fear of the so called witches (“History of Salem Witch Trials”). At this time another belief was developed: that everyone was stressed because of the constant change of leaders (“History of Salem Witch Trials). To the people a cake was made to make the witches become safe, but only if a dog ate the cake (“Salem Witch Trials). The