Introduction
The Salem witch trials of Salem, Massachusetts in 1692 were tragic, but an important part of American History. Many innocent people, mostly women, were falsely accused of witchcraft, and died in vain. During the 17th century of Massachusetts Bay Colony, the fear and suspicion within Salem, as well as the belief in the devil, caused accusations of witchcraft. The colonists were afflicted with a smallpox epidemic, attacks from neighboring Native American tribes, a longstanding rivalry with the community of Salem Town, and faction within the village.