Episode SummaryNot all witch trials were the Salem Witch Trials. To truly understand the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692-1693, we must examine the broader context of witch hunting that swept through colonial America. This episode explores the extensive history of witch trials in British North America that preceded and influenced the Salem events, revealing how witch hunts affected dozens of communities across New England and beyond.The Context Behind SalemWhy Salem didn't happen in a bubbleEuropean influence on colonial witch trialsHow English writings shaped Salem court decisionsThe role of European witchcraft tales in accuser testimoniesPre-Salem Witch Trials in New England (1647-1691)Connecticut Witch TrialsAlice Young of Windsor - First execution, May 26, 164734 total indictments with 11 executionsHartford Witch Panic (1662-1663) - 14 accused, 4 executedFinal Connecticut hangings: January 25, 1663Massachusetts Witch TrialsMargaret Jones of Charlestown - Hanged June 15, 164831 indictments between 1648-16918 convictions, 5 executionsNotable gap in executions from 1656-1688The Goodwin Children CaseGoody Glover trial as Salem's precursorCotton Mather's "Memorable Providences" (1689, 1691)How the Goodwin children became the model for Salem's afflictedWitch Trials Beyond New EnglandVirginiaFirst accusation: Joan Wright (1626)William Harding conviction (1656)Grace Sherwood, "Witch of Pungo" - water ordeal trial (1706)MarylandMultiple accusations investigatedRebecca Fowler execution (1685)John Cowman convictionNew HampshireGoody Cole trials across jurisdictionsMassachusetts Bay control influenceSalem's Wider ImpactThe 1692-1693 Salem Witch Trials affected numerous communities:AndoverBostonMaine and New Hampshire territoriesConnecticut spinoff: Katharine Branch case (1692)First witch trial execution in colonial America: Alice Young, 1647Total colonial witch trial scope: Over 65 indictments across multiple coloniesGeographic spread: From Connecticut to Maine, Virginia to MarylandTimeline: 45+ years of witch trials before SalemLegal precedents: How earlier trials shaped Salem proceduresCheck out the hosts' companion podcast: The Thing About Witch Hunts for deeper dives into European witch trial history and modern witchcraft persecution worldwide.Salem Witch Trials Documentary Archive and Transcription ProjectMassachusetts Court of Oyer and Terminer Documents, ⁠The Salem Witch Trials Collection, Peabody Essex MuseumRecords of the Salem Witch-HuntThe Thing About Salem Website⁠The Thing About Salem YouTube⁠The Thing About Salem Patreon⁠The Thing About Witch Hunts YouTube⁠⁠The Thing About Witch Hunts Website

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