The Background of the Salem Witch Trials and How They Affected America The Salem Witch Trials began in 1692 when teenage girls’ behaviors were questioned at reverend Samuel Parris’ house. The girls were accused of performing dark ritual dances in the woods. They would randomly fall on the ground and scream hysterically. After this strange event this type of behavior was spreading throughout the whole town.(History of salem). There were 140 people accused of being witches. There was more people involved than just the people that were being accused. There were priests, families, execuerters,and civilians that all played a part in the Salem Witch Trials.(History of salem) Throughout this essay you will learn how the trials started, when the first person was arrested for being a witch, how the witches were proven guilty, and how this tragic event affected America. …show more content…
But it wasn't until February 1692 that Dr. William Griggs declared that the sick were bewitched.(The UnMuseum) The first person that was examined by Griggs was Samuel Parris’ daughter. Parris’ daughter would cower in fear of something that wasn't there. Also of Parris’ house, the maid, Abigail was showing the same signs as Parris’ young girl. After awhile, girls everywhere were showing signs of being scared when there was nothing there. After close examination, Griggs stated, “The evil hand is upon them.” Soon after Griggs stated that evil was among them, the town began saying, “There are witches among