The Salem Witch Trials were marked by a series of accusations against individuals in the town of Salem, Massachusetts during the years 1692 and 1693. These accusations primarily targeted women, although men were also accused. The reasons behind these allegations were varied, but often centered around religious and social tensions, as well as personal vendettas.

One example of an accusation was the case of Tituba, a slave from the Caribbean who was accused of practicing witchcraft. Tituba was accused by young girls who experienced mysterious afflictions, and in an attempt to explain these seemingly inexplicable phenomena, the girls claimed that they had been bewitched. Tituba, as an easy target due to her status as a slave and her involvement in practicing folk magic from her native culture, became one of the first individuals to be accused of witchcraft in Salem.

The accused individuals in Salem were often arrested based on spectral evidence, which was testimony or evidence that only the afflicted girls or other witnesses claimed to see or experience. This type of evidence played a crucial role in many convictions during the trials. Once an accusation was made, the accused person was arrested and brought before a local magistrate or judge for an initial hearing.

Tags: Salem Witch Trials, accusations, arrests