What Caused the Salem Witch Trial Hysteria of 1692? The Salem Witch Trials of 1692 were a large source of chaos for the small town that ruined the lives for people and their families. During this time many innocent people were accused of witchcraft and were thrown in jail while some were even hanged. It was a terrible event in history that was caused by jealousy, town division, and young girls. One reason the witch trials transpired was a result of jealousy. The accusers were primarily single women over the age of 16 (Document B). The ones who were accused primarily were married women over the age of 21 (Document B). The accusing women may have been envious of the other women’s marriage. This jealousy led young women to accuse older women of