Question

Which statement best describes the cause of the Salem Witch Trials? A group of young men were accused of badly abusing some wild dogs. A group of old men were accused of holding several séances with the devil. A group of young girls were accused of having visions and consorting with the devil. A group of old women were accused of looking different from the rest of the community.

Answer 1

"A group of young girls were accused of having visions and consorting with the devil" is the best option from the list. These trials were very flawed in that there was no way to provide proof of anyone being a witch.

Answer 2

The events that took place between February 1692 and May 1693 in the colonial Massachusetts are known as Salem Witch Trials. More than two hundred people were accused of witchcraft at the trial, and nineteen were found guilty and sentenced to death by hanging, among them fourteen women and five men. Witchcraft means the belief and practice of magical skills and abilities, based on the visions, which are usually associated with the devil.

The correct answer is: A group of young girls were accused of having visions and consorting with the devil.