Witchcraft in the 16th Century Essay Example
The origins of 16th century witchcraft were changing social, economic and religious conditions in Europe and America. The desire to find a scapegoat for the change resulted in a genocide known as the Burning Times that lasted more than a century.
Witches were accused of casting spells on unfortunate victims and were often sentenced to death by hanging, drowning or by being burned to death.
History of The persecution of people practicing witchcraft in the 16th century began in England in 1589. However, the country's concern with witchcraft had been growing throughout the century, largely in response to the current social, economic and religious conditions in the country. Although people accused of practicing witchcraft had been persecuted since the 15th century, the height of the hysteria that included witch hunts, trials and mass executions occurred from the mid-16th to the mid-17th century. This dark time period is often referred to as the Burning Times. By 1550, churches and courts made witchcraft illegal by passing strict laws against its practice. These laws included harsh methods of punishment for those found guilty. These punishments were swiftly carried out and ranged from forcing the accused people to confessing and naming other witches to public hanging or being burned to death. Witches stood trial in a variety of ways that ranged from a community open forum to a church hearing to secular court trials. The majority of accused witches were females who were social misfits or community outcasts. Older women who did not regularly attend church were often among the unfortunate to be accused and killed, thanks to their diminished role in male-dominated society. Men also died if they were identified as practicing witchcraft or being an accomplice to one. Time Frame As recently as the 14th century, society took a very tolerant attitude toward witchcraft. However, thanks to the changing religious and social climates, society turned a hard eye to
History of The persecution of people practicing witchcraft in the 16th century began in England in 1589. However, the country's concern with witchcraft had been growing throughout the century, largely in response to the current social, economic and religious conditions in the country. Although people accused of practicing witchcraft had been persecuted since the 15th century, the height of the hysteria that included witch hunts, trials and mass executions occurred from the mid-16th to the mid-17th century. This dark time period is often referred to as the Burning Times. By 1550, churches and courts made witchcraft illegal by passing strict laws against its practice. These laws included harsh methods of punishment for those found guilty. These punishments were swiftly carried out and ranged from forcing the accused people to confessing and naming other witches to public hanging or being burned to death. Witches stood trial in a variety of ways that ranged from a community open forum to a church hearing to secular court trials. The majority of accused witches were females who were social misfits or community outcasts. Older women who did not regularly attend church were often among the unfortunate to be accused and killed, thanks to their diminished role in male-dominated society. Men also died if they were identified as practicing witchcraft or being an accomplice to one. Time Frame As recently as the 14th century, society took a very tolerant attitude toward witchcraft. However, thanks to the changing religious and social climates, society turned a hard eye to