Religious and Social Tensions
The strict Puritanical lifestyle bred fear of the Devil and sin. Salem Village’s internal disputes and class divisions fostered suspicion and resentment.
Psychological Factors
Some scholars propose that the girls' behavior was due to psychological distress, social pressures, or even medical conditions such as ergot poisoning (a fungus in rye bread that can cause hallucinations and convulsions).
Political and Legal Instability
The lack of a stable government and the arrival of a new governor created uncertainty. The legal system’s reliance on spectral evidence and lack of legal protections enabled wrongful convictions.
Personal Vendettas and Greed
Some accusations stemmed from personal feuds, property disputes, and attempts to discredit rivals.
The End of the Trials and Aftermath
By late 1692 and early 1693, skepticism about the trials grew.
Governor Phips’ Intervention
Governor Phips eventually disbanded the Court of Oyer and Terminer after public outrage over the executions and doubts about the evidence. In October 1692, he replaced it with a new court that disallowed spectral evidence.
Release and Pardons
Many accused were released from prison, but the stigma of accusation lingered. Some families suffered lasting damage.
The Church’s Role
The Puritan church, which had initially supported the trials, later expressed regret. Reverend Parris was forced to resign, and ministers apologized for their role. shutdown123