What was happening economically in salem in 1692

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Some historians have suggested that behind Salem Village's factionalism lay powerful economic differences. In their classic study of Salem witchcraft, Salem Possessed , Paul Boyer and Stephen Nissenbaum, locate the origins of the village's divisions that culminated in the witchcraft outbreak in the broad historical shift of New England's economy towards commerce and capitalism. Residents of Salem Village were mostly poor farmers who made their living cultivating crops in the rocky terrain.

Salem Town, on the other hand, was a prosperous port town at the center of trade with London. Most of those living in Salem Town were wealthy merchants. The trials were started after people had been accused of witchcraft, primarily by teenage girls such as Elizabeth Hubbard, 17, as well as some who were younger. The controversies surrounding the accusations, trials, and executions in Salem, , continue to fascinate historians and we continue to ask why, in a society that should have known better, did this happen?

Economic and physiological causes aside, the Salem witchcraft trials continue to act as a parable of caution against extremism in judicial processes. JSTOR is a digital library for scholars, researchers, and students. Privacy Policy Contact Us You may unsubscribe at any time by clicking on the provided link on any marketing message. Looking into the underlying causes of the Salem Witch Trials in the 17th century.

By: Vicki Saxon. October 27, August 19, Share Tweet Email Print. Have a correction or comment about this article? Please contact us.