Hexed (Part 2): The Deadly Hysteria of the Salem Witch Trials

In the second part of this witchy two-part episode, we connect the dots between Europe’s medieval witch hunts and the blood-soaked soil of Salem. Hang with us as Chelsea unravels the dark tale of the Salem Witch Trials, one of the most infamous episodes in American history. Journey back to 1692, where fear and suspicion gripped the Puritan village of Salem, Massachusetts, leading to a wave of accusations, hysteria, and brutal executions. We explore how mass paranoia, religious zealotry, and local politics set the stage for the persecution of dozens of innocent people. We take a look into the lives of the accused and the accusers, gaining insights into how superstition and fear turned neighbors into enemies. Prepare for a deep dive into the hysteria that claimed the lives of 20 people, leaving behind an enduring legacy of fear, scapegoating, and unchecked power. Tune in and uncover how the nightmare of witchcraft paranoia spiraled from ink on a page into an American tragedy.

**The interview this week will be pushed to next week- for the week of Halloween**

 

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References:

Institoris, H., Sprenger, J., & Richardson, I. (1974). Malleus Maleficarum. Caedmon.

Lewis, Jone Johnson. (2021, February 16). The Victims of the Salem
Witch Trials. Retrieved from
https://www.thoughtco.com/victims-of-the-salem-witch-trials-3530332

Yost, R. (2023, November 2). Lydia Dustin and the Salem Witch Trials.
The History Junkie.
https://thehistoryjunkie.com/lydia-dustin-and-the-salem-witch-trials/

Murrin, J. M. (2003). Coming to Terms with the Salem Witch Trials. In
American Antiquarian Society (pp. 309–311).
https://www.americanantiquarian.org/proceedings/44539519.pdf

Brooks, R. B. (2015, August 19). The Salem Witch Trials Victims: Who
were they? - History of Massachusetts blog. History of Massachusetts
Blog. https://historyofmassachusetts.org/salem-witch-trials-victims/

Research guides: Salem Witch Trials: Accusers and Accused. (n.d.).
https://guides.bpl.org/salemwitchtrials/accusersandaccused#s-lg-box-10274588

Pruitt, S., & Pruitt, S. (2024, September 19). Salem Witch trials: Who
were the main accusers? HISTORY.
https://www.history.com/news/salem-witch-trials-accusers

Brooks, R. B. (2019, May 11). What is Spectral Evidence? - History of
Massachusetts Blog. History of Massachusetts Blog.
https://historyofmassachusetts.org/spectral-evidence/