pressure from below Flashcards
(9 cards)
What was the function of witch hunts in communities?
They served to remove antisocial members of the community and release long-term revenge or tensions.
How did authorities typically get involved in witch hunts?
Authorities were often forced to become involved rather than instigating the hunts themselves.
What led to accusations in village communities?
Growing social and economic tensions within villages led to accusations against those on the margins of society.
What happened in Pays de Labourd, France in 1609?
Accusations driven by rumors and personal vendettas led local communities to demand action from higher authorities, resulting in a brutal hunt led by royal judge Pierre de Lancre.
What initiated the Pendle trials in Lancashire in 1612?
The trials began when Alizon Device cursed a peddler, leading to her family’s investigation and a wave of accusations between two feuding families.
What was the outcome of the Torsåker Witch Trials in Sweden in 1675?
71 people were executed, driven by mass hysteria and community pressure, making it the largest Swedish witch trial.
What role did local authorities play in witch hunts?
Large-scale persecutions depended on the cooperation of local authorities, despite grassroots tensions acting as a spark for accusations.
How did the elite influence witch hunts?
The elite, such as prince-bishops, were often responsible for escalating accusations.
What was the primary source of pressure for witch hunts in England?
In England, pressure typically came from below, with only the Hopkins’ cases seeing pressure from above.
