The Salem witch trials were a series of hearings and prosecutions of people accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts between February 1692 and May 1693. It was a dark and tragic time that resulted in the deaths of several individuals. While the exact number of people who were killed during the Salem witch trials remains uncertain, historical records indicate that at least 20 people were executed as a result of being found guilty of practicing witchcraft. These executions primarily took place through hanging, with one individual being pressed to death under heavy stones. It is important to note that those accused of witchcraft were primarily women, and the trials were fueled by superstition, fear, and mass hysteria. Additionally, many others were imprisoned and subjected to harsh conditions while awaiting trial, with some dying in jail due to the squalid and inhumane conditions.
Group seeks to clear names of all accused, convicted or executed for witchcraft in Mass.
Additionally, many others were imprisoned and subjected to harsh conditions while awaiting trial, with some dying in jail due to the squalid and inhumane conditions. The Salem witch trials serve as a haunting reminder of the dangers of mass hysteria and the devastating consequences it can have on innocent lives..
Nearly four centuries later, the state and region are still working to come to grips with the scope of its witch trial legacy
By Steve LeBlanc | Associated Press • Published October 31, 2023 • Updated on October 31, 2023 at 11:57 am
Getty ImagesIn 1648, Margaret Jones, a midwife, became the first person in Massachusetts — the second in New England — to be executed for witchcraft, decades before the infamous Salem witch trials.
Nearly four centuries later, the state and region are still working to come to grips with the scope of its witch trial legacy.
The latest effort comes from a group dedicated to clearing the names of all those accused, arrested or indicted for witchcraft in Massachusetts, whether or not the accusations ended in hanging.
The Massachusetts Witch-Hunt Justice Project, made up of history buffs and descendants, is hoping to persuade the state to take a fuller reckoning of its early history, according to Josh Hutchinson, the group's leader.
Get Boston local news, weather forecasts, lifestyle and entertainment stories to your inbox. Sign up for NBC Boston’s newsletters.
.
Reviews for "Seeking Justice: Investigating the True Death Toll of the Salem Witch Trials"
1. Emily - 2 stars
The book "How many people were killed during the Salem witch trials" turned out to be quite disappointing for me. While the topic is fascinating, the execution of the book fell short. The information provided was scattered and poorly organized, making it difficult to follow the timeline of events. Additionally, the author seemed to have a biased perspective, focusing more on the sensationalism rather than providing a balanced account of what happened during the trials. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and would not recommend this book to others.
2. Michael - 1 star
I have to say that "How many people were killed during the Salem witch trials" was a complete waste of my time. The writing style was dry and uninspiring, failing to engage me as a reader. Furthermore, the information presented was repetitive and lacked depth. It felt like the author was simply regurgitating facts without delving into the underlying causes and societal implications of the witch trials. I was left wanting more from this book and cannot recommend it to anyone looking for a comprehensive understanding of the Salem witch trials.
3. Sarah - 3 stars
Although "How many people were killed during the Salem witch trials" had its merits, overall it fell short of my expectations. The book provided a decent overview of the events that took place during the trials, but it lacked in-depth analysis and critical examination. I was hoping for a more scholarly and nuanced perspective, but instead, I found the information to be quite surface-level. Additionally, the writing style was dry and lacked the necessary narrative flair to truly immerse the reader in the story. Overall, the book was average at best and did not leave a lasting impression.