What really caused the Salem witch trial hysteria of 1692? Many could say that the answer is very simple, that is was the witches. Those many are incorrect. The trials were caused by the poisoned bread from harvest, the girls’ false accusations, and the preacher’s encouragement.

In the 1700’s the bread used from previous harvests contained rye ,a grain used for bread and cereal. Due to humid weather conditions, the rye would be infected with ergot. When digested convulsive or gangrenous ergotism is a highly possible outcome. The symptoms of convulsive ergotism matched the symptoms of the possessed. The crossed leg symptom is shown in Document H. When having a convulsive attack it is highly common to cross your legs. The possessed had crawling