Ergotism Is The Main Cause Of The Salem Witch Trials

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An outbreak of witchcraft occurred in the town of Salem, Massachusetts during the year of 1692. Twenty people in Salem were put to death during a fifteen week period. During this period in time there was a countless number of people accused of witchcraft and placed in jail. Three of the main causes of the Salem Witch Trials would be the spread of Ergotism through Salem, Bridget Bishop being accused of witchcraft, and hysteria making the girls not know what to believe. Ergotism is the main cause of the Salem Witch Trials. Ergotism is a disease that is commonly contracted by eating rye bread that was contaminated by Ergot. The symptoms of Ergotism are feeling crawling sensations in the skin, Tingling in the fingers, psychosis, and delirium,
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