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Why was there a witchcraft scare in Massachusetts in 1692?

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During the spring of 1692, there was a vast witchcraft scare in Massachusetts. It was believed that the devil possessed a group of young girls, and they accused several local women of witchcraft. A wave of hysteria spread, and a special court was convened. The special court decided to hand the convicted. Bridget Bishop was the first witch hanged, followed by 150 more women, men, and children. Even though soon fear amongst the people subsided and public opinion turned against the trial, the Salem witch trial did end up killing several people.