Presecution in Southern Germany

Question 1

Why were rulers in south-west germany largely unhindered in their legal action or judicial moves by any higher authority?

Answer 1

Much of south-west germany consisted of very small government units so little higher authority to overrule them

Question 2

some of the worst panics followed the aggressive restoration of Catholicism by counter-reformation prince bishops, why?

Answer 2

the ruling catholic prince-bishops saw persecuting witches as a way to demonstrate their piety and concern for order

Question 3

Why was there pressure from below to take action against witches?

Answer 3

Witches were blamed for the cold and wet summers

Question 4

What was the impact of the Thirty Years War?

Answer 4

Hardship, increased turmoil and fear, destabilising of local communities

Question 5

Who was the prince-bishop of Würzburg between 1626 and 1631 who executed 900 people for witchcraft (including wealthier people, men, and children)?

Answer 5

Philipp Adolf von Ehrenberg

Question 6

How might the argument that prosecutions can be explained by famine, plague, economic collapse and the threat of marauding armies be disputed?

Answer 6

witch hunting declined in the 1630’s when many communities in south-west germany faces these problems