Dr. David Childs, D.D., Ph.D.
Northern Kentucky University
Lithograph of witch trial in Salem, Massachusetts. Photograph: Bettmann Archive
Introduction
In light of the recent celebration of Halloween we decided to do an article surrounding witch hunts that have taken place throughout history. A witch-hunt (also called a witch purge) is a historical and global phenomenon, whereby authorities have searched for people who have been accused of being witches. They also might search for evidence (Usually bogus or arbitrary evidence) to prove that the accused was practicing witchcraft. In the United States many people are somewhat familiar with the Salem witchcraft trials but are not aware that witch hunts were a global phenomenon throughout history.
History of Witch-Hunts
The era known as the classical period of witch-hunts took place during Early modern Europe and in Colonial America about 1450 to 1750. The prosecutions reached a highpoint from 1580 to 1630 during the Counter-Reformation and the European wars of religion that resulted in an estimated 40,000 to 50,000 executions. Most people were burned at the stake, roughly 80% of those executed were women, often over the age of 40. The last witch hunt executions in Europe took place during the 1700’s, but other regions of the world such as parts of Africa and Asia have continued the practice.
Witch Burning (1555) Witches Being Burned At The Stake In Germany
A Contemporary German Woodcut Poster Print by (24 x 36)
Salem Witch Trials
In the United States, people are most familiar with the events that took place in colonial Massachusetts between February 1692 and May 1693. The Salem witch trials consisted of a series of hearings and prosecutions of more than 200 people accused of witchcraft. Thirty of those accused were found guilty, and nineteen of the thirty were executed by hanging (fourteen women and five men). Books like the classic novel The Crucible have brought more attention to the historical events.
The American imagination has been long fascinated by this time period, as most people are intrigued by the supernatural and the fear of the unknown. In light of this, witch hunts are a wonderful topic to bring to the classroom. Here are some lesson plans and resources teachers can use to help students explore the topic on a deeper level.
Lesson Plans and Teacher Resources
Lesson Plans
Witch-hunts Teacher Resources
Aha! You’re a Witch- Early Modern European Witch-hunts
Salem Witch Trials Lesson Plan
Understanding the Salem Witch Trials
Which of You Is a Witch? The Salem Witchcraft Trials and The Crucible
Salem Witch Trials: Web Supported Lesson Plan
Salem Witch Trials- American Bar Association
History
Salem Witchcraft Trials History
History of Witch Hunts
Salem Witch Hunt Museum
The Witch Craze
Salem Witchcraft Trials History Channel
I cant believe that 19 people were executed during the time of the witch trials. I could never imagine something like this happening in todays society. Its still very interesting to think about, since some of the determining factors were inaccurate.
Before reading this article I had only heard of the Salem Witch trials. It was interesting to hear about how this was more of a global phenomenon. I think that this would be very interesting to teach in the classroom. With this you could talk about a book to incorporate reading to see the history and thoughts of that time.
The fact that witch hunts are still continuing in certain parts of the world is fascinating to me. Modernization would seem to have put an end to that, but it does not look like that is the case. It is also interesting how the idea of witchcraft has evolved and is regaining prominence in today’s society. Many people with in the millennial and generation Z population identify, not as Christian, but as some form of Pagan or Wicca sect.
I heard about witch hunting before, but I did not realize the amount of people who were accused of witchcraft. When I was learning about witch hunting, I would always hear about how women were the ones always being accused, never the men. So, it was interesting reading this article and hearing that men were also accused; however, women were still the majority. I feel like it would be a challenge to start a conversation in a classroom about witchcraft. I think the resources in this article would help to start the conversation and provide additional tools.
Witches and Witch hunts really fascinate me. The thought of people’s thoughts and feelings and being consumed with something outside of their own bodies is a scary thought. I think that may be part of the reason that the executions took place. I was surprised to find out that Africa and Asia continue to practice the act of “witch hunts”. Also finding out about all of the different witch hunts that took place and not just the Salem trial. Around 200 people were killed in that trial. During all of the different witch hunts 40,000-50,000 people lost their lives.
Art Thou a Witch? Studying the Witchcraft Trials in History by Dr. David Childs instantly intrigued me once I read the title. I have always loved reading and learning about the witch trials in Salem. As I started reading this article, I was compelled at the fact that witch hunts continue to take place in Africa and Asia. I didn’t think such a cruel practice would still occur in present-day. However, it shows how unique every culture is. Like Childs mentions, this topic of the Salem witch trials is great to teach in the classroom. I could see myself utilizing the “Salem Witch Trials-American Bar Association” lesson plan resource below, as it’s very interactive for students. Because it involves a dramatization of the trials, I think students will be very engaged in the lesson.
While I was aware of the Salem witch trials, I didn’t realize how popular witch hunts were. It’s sad to look back at history and be reminded of how many people were killed for being accused of something so outrageous. The tests that people were given to determine if they were a witch was ludicrous, I’d hope nothing like witch hunts repeat in the future.
I learned a lot form this article. I didn’t know that witch trail took place all over the world. I honestly just thought that the Salem witch trials were the only occurrence of such events. I also learned from reading this article that mostly women were targeting I thought that men and women were at the mercy of being accused. I will definitely use the resources that are provided at the end of this article while I am teaching about the witch trails in my future classroom. Thank you.
I did not know that the “witch hunt” extended further than just the USA! I also didn’t know that they burned the people they deemed as “witches” at the stake, I thought they just were all hung. Its fascinating to learn that the Salem witch trials were only a very small part of the history of witch hunting/ trials!
For some reason, I assumed that the Salem witch trials only involved women. I also was not aware that “witch hunts” originated in Europe. I am part of the crowd that finds the witch trials/hunts fascinating!