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=Witch Hunts= In early modern Europe, a great fear of witches spread across europe. At this time many blamed supernatural powers for their problems, for example, failed crops. It is estimated that 100,000 people were tried for witchcraft. The majority of the women. A few were released, but more than half were executed, most in protestant dominant lands. Torture often broke people into confessing to performing witchcraft. Sometimes to describe their experiences with the devil or their assemblies with other witches.

Women found guilty of witchcraft were often executed. Often, by burning at the stake. Thousands of people were kiled in this way during the Witch Hunts.

Women were most commonly the ones that were put on trial. They tended to be widowed or alone, they were considered to be easily turned evil without the guidance of a man.

These witch hunts, carried out by Catholics and Protestants alike were significant to world history because they showed the condescendence on women and discrimination against them. Many of hte women executed during the witch trials, often by burning at the stake, were widows or independent women. This is because it was believed that women without constraints put upon them by their husbands were likely to turn evil. This was emphasized by the role of women at that time period, tending to the animals and the sick, as well as bearing children. This made them suspect if deaths occured. This was not often a problem with men, and few were prosecuted under charges of witchcraft. media type="youtube" key="eTkDGpHWGMQ" height="360" width="640"

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The massive number of witchcraft trials in Europe caused the Witchcraft Acts to be passed, or laws banning practices of witchcraft. These were created to ensure witches or those associated with witches were punished. They were in place until 1951 at which time they were repealed. Over time, people stopped believe in the evils of witchcraft. This was furthured by the Scientific Revolution which featured a critical mindset as opposed to one of supernatural beliefs. Logical and rational explanation replaced those of witchcraft and evil spirits.

With the start of the scientific revolution, many began to use reason and logic to explain phenomena and be less superstitious. People became doubtful of witches power and stopped believing in their ability to ruin crops and harvests.

One of the most important effects of the witch hunts was the vast amount of people that died being executed for witchcraft. People were tortured until they admitted to being witches, even if they were not. Thousands upon thousands died.