The reasons for the Witchcraze in south Germany

Question 1

How was the counter reformation a reason for the witchcraze in south Germany ?

Answer 1

Prince Bishops at the front of the campaign to win land back to catholics

In areas like Bamberg , conversion of protestant parishes prioritised , those who didn’t convert would be jailed

Johan Gottfried Von Auchausen was prince bishop of Bamberg 1609 which led to an increase in prosecutions who used jesuits

Von Auchausen issued new ordinance about WC , punishing anyone who did magic

Question 2

How did the 30 years war contribute to the reasons for the witchcraze in south Germany ?

Answer 2

Large armies devastated big areas of south Germany - Towns plundered for supplies and forced conscriptions

Poor harvests and inflation led to the fear of witches as misfortune

Catholics became fanatical , those who deviated from practices seen as heretics + suspicion placed on the devil

Question 3

How did economic crisis lead to the witch hunts of south Germany ?

Answer 3

A n.o trials made reference to bad weather and poor harvests :

Katharina Merckhlerin 1626 - confession mentioned she was plotting to freeze harvest

Trials in Bamberg peaked when frost destroyed wine crop 1629 , little ice age occured at the same time as war debt leading to higher taxes

Question 4

How did inflation lead to the witch hunts of south Germany ?

Answer 4

Silver imports declined , less silver content in coins devalued currency + Bad harvests led to higher prices

Economic causes mentioned in confessions :

Margaretha Eissman admitted to coin clipping due to poverty

Margaretha Gussbacherin became a prozzy to a rich man to avoid poverty , seen as a pact with the devil