It is perhaps the most infamous outbreak of mass hysteria in American history (with the possible exception of the McCarthy Era).
From February 1692 through to late September of that year, a total of 20 people were executed, with five more nearly dying in prison. Over 150 people were accused. Most of them were accused based on ’spectral evidence’ – which is to say, dreams and visions. Every person actually brought to court was convicted, although some were pardoned.
I’m not sure what’s more shameful about this whole episode. Is it that it happened at all, or that there are still people who think it didn’t go far enough…
Referenced in:
Salem ‘76 – Mary Lou Lord
Lords of Salem – Rob Zombie
American Witch – Rob Zombie
Witch Hunting in Salem – Ishia
Salem 1692 – Ceremonial Castings
The Dead Can’t Testify – Billy Talent
Burn the Witch – Queens of the Stone Age