Salem Witch Trials Pandemonium

A lack of leadership was another main cause of the witch trials.  This led to many hangings, and innocent men and women being accused of witchcraft with no justification.  There were no police or officials to stop the many feuds that were occurring.  For example in the movie Three Sovereigns For Sarah, Sarah was charged with practicing witchcraft and put in a shed for nearly a year before her trial started.  She was not allowed to leave the shed and was given limited food and water.  Furthermore, Salem was a very isolated area.  While all of the horrendous events were happening, no outside governmental leaders could let the country know all the crazy things the Puritans were doing.  Lastly, the governor was not only the religious leader, but also enforced all the religious laws.  Because he was the only high authority in the community, it was easier for people to break laws and take land.  It also caused people to receive harsh punishments if they denied being a witch.  The Wonders of the Invisible World, exposed the Puritan belief that witches are sent by the devil to get rid of the Puritans.  This prompted the community not to deal with people they assumed were witches, unless they admitted their guilt.  If the “witches” said they were innocent, the majority of the time they were put to death.  The lack of leadership in the small community caused the whole witch trials situation to get way out of control.

Young girls in the community, many greedy people, and a lack of leadership were the main causes of the Salem Witch Trials.  To prevent this in the future, people should be aware of all similar type situations,  because history can repeat itself.  Ways to prevent this would include voting in leaders who will run the community fairly.  Also, voting in judges who will be rational when ruling at trials.  Finally, we need to continue to support a strong system of law enforcement officials, that can control mass hysteria.  By following these preventative measures, hopefully, our country will never have to endure another heinous event such as the Salem Witch Trials.