East Anglia- Matthew Hopkins

Question 2

Causes

Answer 2

English civil war
Decentralisation
Religious tensions
Fear and suspicion

Question 3

Breakdown of traditional authority:

Answer 3

The Civil War disrupted the established order, and the assize courts were unable to function normally, leading to a breakdown of traditional authority and a vacuum that allowed figures like Hopkins to gain influence.

Question 4

English Civil War

Answer 4

The upheaval and instability of the Civil War created a climate of fear and uncertainty, which some historians believe contributed to the rise of witch-hunting

Question 5

Religious tensions

Answer 5

The period saw heightened religious tensions between Protestants and Catholics, with each side potentially viewing the other as practicing “evil magic

Question 6

Puritan influence

Answer 6

Matthew Hopkins, a prominent figure in the East Anglian witch hunts, was a Puritan, and his actions reflected the strong religious beliefs of the time

Question 7

Economic hardship

Answer 7

Crop failures, inflation, and issues between landlords and tenants likely contributed to social unrest and a willingness to scapegoat others, including those accused of witchcraft

Question 8

Hopkins role as a cause

Answer 8

Hopkins, a self-proclaimed “witchfinder,” traveled through East Anglia and Essex, leading a campaign against alleged witches, which resulted in numerous executions

Question 9

James 1 fear (as a cause)

Answer 9

After his boat trip with Anne, he wrote a book on demonology, which pushed more people into believing it.
It encouraged the readers to find witches and put them on trial.