The Salem Witch Trials: How Cotton Mather Contributed to the Hysteria

Cotton Mather was a prominent figure during the witch mania in Salem, Massachusetts in the late 17th century. He was a Puritan minister and theologian who played a significant role in the events that unfolded in the town during this dark period. Mather was born in 1663 in Boston and came from a family of influential ministers. He was highly educated and well-versed in theology and biblical studies. Mather's father, Increase Mather, was the president of Harvard College and played a major role in the religious and political affairs of Massachusetts Bay Colony. During the early stages of the witch mania, Mather was initially hesitant to support the trials and accusations.

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Mather also wrote to the courts trying witches in Salem and petitioned to allow spectral evidence - evidence from spirits within the possessed witches attesting to their use of witchcraft. He published another book titled Memorable Providences Relating to Witchcraft and Possession in 1689 that increased public interest in witchcraft and later led to witch trials during the colonial era.

During the early stages of the witch mania, Mather was initially hesitant to support the trials and accusations. However, as the hysteria grew, he became convinced of the reality and seriousness of witchcraft and began advocating for a harsher approach. Mather believed that the devil was actively working in Salem and that the accused witches were in league with him.

Cotton Mather and the witch mania in Salem

Cotton Mather was a Puritan minister who was well-known for his indirect role in the Salem Witch Trials. He was born on February 12, 1663, to a family of New England Puritan ministers. He attended Harvard University at the young age of 12, but when he received his Master of Arts degree at age 18, he realized he wanted to follow in his family's footsteps and join the clergy. He preached his first sermon in 1680, and was ordained as a minister in 1685. From then on, Mather served in Boston’s North Church for 40 years.

Mather was known for his progressive views on medicine, which was a heavily contested subject at the time. Mather supported vaccinations for smallpox - a topic which was very controversial - and vaccinated his son, who almost died from the procedure. At the time, vaccinations were very uncommon and feared by many, so Mather's decision to vocally support it was striking for his time period. Mather also published over 400 works throughout his lifetime, on subjects ranging from smallpox inoculation to witchcraft. His work titled "Curiosa Americana" demonstrated his abilities as a scientist, and helped him get elected to the Royal Society of London.

While Mather’s medical views were ahead of his time, his actions regarding witchcraft were less progressive. In 1684, Mather published a book titled "Remarkable Provinces," a book recounting his experience with possessed children in Boston's Goodwin family. In the book, Mather outlined symptoms of clinical hysteria and related the children's possession to witchcraft. He published another book titled "Memorable Providences Relating to Witchcraft and Possession" in 1689 that increased public interest in witchcraft and later led to witch trials during the colonial era. Mather's books played a role in instigating the first accusations of witchcraft in Salem, Massachusetts - accusations that later led to the Salem Witch Trials, the accusations of over 200 people, and the deaths of 19. Mather also wrote to the courts trying witches in Salem and petitioned to allow spectral evidence - evidence from spirits within the possessed witches attesting to their use of witchcraft. The trials themselves were based on false evidence - no one in Salem was actually a witch - but the fear stirred up by writers like Mather made the citizens afraid, and more likely to turn against their friends and neighbors. The Salem Witch Trials constituted the deadliest witch hunt in colonial America, and Mather's writings played a role in making them happen.

Cotton Mather died on February 13, 1728, leaving behind one of his three wives and two of his fifteen children. His mark on history, while significant, is certainly a controversial one.

Show all questions

1. ? He was the first member of his family to become a minister.
2. ? He never published a book in his lifetime.
3. ? He had more than ten children.
4. ? He lived to be over 70.

1. ? “Curiosa Americana” – relating to scientific and medicinal topics
2. ? “Remarkable Provinces” – the story of the Goodwin family’s possession
3. ? “Memorable Providences Relating to Witchcraft and Possession” – information on witchcraft
4. ? All pairings are correct.

1. ? Mather convicted and ordered the execution of witches in Salem.
2. ? Mather did not directly convict accused witches, but increased public fear of witchcraft.
3. ? Mather was a vocal opponent of the witch trials, and protested them.
4. ? Mather wrote books during the witch trials chronicling the stories of accused witches to increase public sympathy.

1. Put the following events of Cotton Mather’s life in order.

I. Mather attends Harvard University.
II. Mather writes “Curiosa Americana.”
III. Mather increases public information and fear regarding witchcraft.
IV. Mather dies in 1728.

1. ? I, III, II, IV
2. ? I, II, III, IV
3. ? II, I, III, IV
4. ? IV, III, II, I

1. ? A movement based in fear and hysteria which led to the deaths of innocent people.
2. ? A well-founded hunt for evil, resulting in a more productive and healthy society.
3. ? An attack on the wealthy facilitated by poor residents of Salem.
4. ? A discovery of supernatural powers in Massachusetts, followed by a persecution of real witches

1. ? He was a respected figure during the witch trials, but set the country back in the medicinal field.
2. ? He had forward-thinking ideas about medicine, but indirectly persecuted witches in Salem.
3. ? He performed illegal vaccination procedures and convicted witches.
4. ? He tried to set free the convicted witches in Salem, causing rebellion and anarchy.

1. ? A type of vaccine used by Mather on his son
2. ? A class taken by Mather at Harvard University
3. ? A subject that Mather focused on for most of his 400 books
4. ? Testimony from spirits used in the trials to prosecute witches

(Salem Witchcraft) Upham, Charles W. SALEM WITCHCRAFT AND COTTON MATHER. A REPLY. Morrisania, N.Y. 1869. Large octavo, pp. [1-6] [1] 2-91 [92: blank], untrimmed, sewn, lacks the original printed blue wrappers. First edition. Title page dusty, upper and lower margins of last leaf trimmed, a very good copy. Uncommon. (#92270).

He saw the trials as a way to cleanse the community of evil and ensure the survival of the Puritan religion. Mather's views were shaped by his strict interpretation of Puritan theology, which emphasized the existence of supernatural forces and the battle between good and evil. Mather wrote extensively about witchcraft and published several works on the subject. His most famous publication, "The Wonders of the Invisible World," served as a defense of the witch trials and provided theological justification for the persecution of suspected witches. In the book, Mather presented various testimonies and evidence supporting the existence of witchcraft and argued that it was a severe threat to the community. Mather's influence on the Salem witch trials extended beyond his writings. He actively participated in the trials by providing evidence, offering counsel to the judges, and even witnessing the executions of the convicted witches. This active involvement further cemented his reputation as a key figure in the witch mania. However, as the trials progressed and the extent of the hysteria became apparent, Mather began to have doubts about the validity of some of the accusations. He expressed concerns about the use of spectral evidence, which was based on the belief that witches could shape-shift and appear in the form of other people. Mather's stance on this issue put him in conflict with the judges and the zealous prosecutors. Despite his growing doubts, Mather's influence had already contributed to the perpetuation of the witch mania in Salem. His writings and active involvement undoubtedly fueled the hysteria and led to the conviction and execution of numerous innocent people. In the aftermath of the witch trials, Mather faced criticism for his role in the events. Many accused him of being responsible for the deaths of innocent people and for perpetuating the panic. However, Mather defended his actions, claiming that he had genuinely believed in the reality of witchcraft and had acted in the best interests of the community. Cotton Mather's involvement in the witch mania of Salem remains a controversial topic. While his intentions may have been rooted in his religious beliefs and a desire to protect his community, his actions contributed to one of the darkest chapters in American history. His role serves as a reminder of the dangers of unchecked hysteria and the importance of critical thinking in the face of fear and superstition..

Reviews for "The Intellectual Community of Salem: Cotton Mather and the Witch Trials"

1. John Doe - 1/5

Unfortunately, I found "Cotton Mather and the Witch Mania in Salem" to be a highly disappointing read. The author's writing style was incredibly dry, making it difficult to stay engaged with the content. Additionally, I felt that the book lacked depth and failed to provide any new insights or perspectives on the Salem witch trials. Overall, I cannot recommend this book to anyone interested in further exploring this historical event.

2. Sarah Smith - 2/5

"Cotton Mather and the Witch Mania in Salem" left me underwhelmed and unsatisfied. While I appreciate the author's attempt to shed light on Cotton Mather's role in the witch trials, I felt that the book lacked cohesiveness and structure. The arguments presented were often repetitive, and the narrative failed to capture my attention. I was hoping for a comprehensive and nuanced analysis, but instead, I was left with a shallow and unconvincing account of the events. Regrettably, this book fell short of my expectations.

3. Robert Johnson - 2/5

I expected "Cotton Mather and the Witch Mania in Salem" to provide a fresh perspective on the notorious Salem witch trials, but unfortunately, it didn't deliver. The author's writing style was convoluted, making it difficult to follow the narrative thread. Moreover, the book seemed to rely heavily on speculation rather than solid historical evidence, which left me questioning the accuracy of the information presented. Ultimately, I didn't feel that this book added much value to my understanding of the witch trials, and I was left dissatisfied with the overall reading experience.

4. Emily Adams - 3/5

I had mixed feelings about "Cotton Mather and the Witch Mania in Salem." While I appreciated the author's attempt to delve into the intricate details of Cotton Mather's involvement in the witch trials, I found some sections to be overly dense and difficult to digest. The book would have benefitted from a more accessible writing style and clearer organization. Nonetheless, I still found some aspects of the book informative and thought-provoking, but overall, it didn't entirely meet my expectations.

5. Thomas Brown - 2/5

For someone looking for an engaging exploration of Cotton Mather's role in the Salem witch trials, "Cotton Mather and the Witch Mania in Salem" was a letdown. The writing style felt overly academic and inaccessible, making it difficult to fully immerse myself in the subject matter. Moreover, the book often veered off on tangents that seemed irrelevant to the main theme. While I appreciate the author's attempt to provide a comprehensive view, I found the execution lacking and struggled to find a cohesive narrative throughout the book. Overall, I believe there are better books available on this topic.

The Salem Witch Trials: Cotton Mather's Legacy in American History