Dan Snow's History Hit What Caused Europe's Witch Hysteria?
Oct 29, 2025
Duncan Weldon, an economic historian and author of 'Blood and Treasure', joins to delve into the unnerving witch hunts of early modern Europe. He discusses how Heinrich Kramer’s notorious book, 'Malleus Maleficarum', erased centuries of misogyny, while the printing revolution spread fear. Climate changes and economic stress turned independent women into scapegoats. The conversation draws parallels to today's societal scapegoating, prompting questions about modern responses to fear and misinformation.
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Kramer's Revenge Through A Bestseller
- Heinrich Kramer wrote the Malleus Maleficarum after a failed witch trial and personal humiliation.
- He used the book to exact influence and justify witch-hunting across Europe.
Printing Made Witch Panic Viral
- The printing revolution let Kramer’s misogynistic manual go viral across Europe.
- Early publishers amplified content that matched existing market demand for sensational texts.
Climate Shift Raised Vulnerability
- The Little Ice Age caused crop failures and economic strain across Europe.
- That led to more unmarried women as marriage was delayed, increasing vulnerable populations blamed as witches.
