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How Did The Salem Witch Trials Cause Hysteria?

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How Did The Salem Witch Trials Cause Hysteria?
The Salem Witchcraft Trials have cast a spell over historians and non-academics alike. This episode invokes images of religious bigotry, unbridled abuse of power, discrimination, and persecution as well as the perils of a society possessed by irrational fears. Yet, the Trials are fascinating because no one explanation of the event has ever been universally accepted. Numerous theories have tried to elucidate the causes of the Hysteria from ergot poisoning to actual witchcraft. Throughout American history, people have summoned Salem as a warning against actions they perceive as bogus “witch hunts”. The numerous historical, social, and literary interpretations reflect the many dimensions of this drama and demonstrate that no one all-compassing
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