The Rest Is History 331: American Witches
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May 11, 2023 Historian Malcolm Gaskill, an expert on 17th-century New England, delves into the witch crazes that gripped the region in the 1640s. He explores the paranoia surrounding witchcraft in Springfield and the societal fears that fueled such hysteria. Gaskill highlights how tensions among early settlers and anxieties about child-rearing led to witch trials, exemplified through the story of Mary Parsons. His insights reveal the intersection of personal struggles and broader historical patterns, making it a haunting reflection on human fears and ambitions.
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Snake Attack
- Jonathan Taylor found snakes in his bed, one biting him and saying "Death."
- The snake's voice was recognized as his neighbor Hugh Parsons, illustrating paranoia in 17th-century Springfield.
New England Witchcraft
- Witchcraft accusations in 17th-century New England resonate strongly, especially Salem.
- However, witch crazes also swept through Europe, including Germany and East Anglia.
New England Ideals
- New England settlers aimed to create a new society, improving their conditions and setting an example for England.
- They sought to restore values like charity and piety, which they felt England had lost.
