Witchcraft: Crash Course European History #10

Summary

In this episode of Crash Course European History, John Green explores the impact of witchcraft beliefs on European society from the 15th to the 18th century. He discusses the persecution of women accused of witchcraft, the influence of Heinrich Kramer's 'Witches' Hammer,' and the societal and religious turmoil that fueled witch hunts. The episode highlights how fear and superstition shaped history and how scientific and philosophical advancements eventually led to a decline in witch trials. The narrative also touches on the role of sexism and the misuse of power in these dark chapters of history.

Takeaways

• 🔍 Joan of Arc was burned for heresy and witchcraft in 1431, which reflected the bewilderment and fear of a teenage peasant girl leading an army.
• ⚔️ The century after Joan's death saw significant upheavals: the Reformation, Commercial and Agricultural Revolutions, and Counter-Reformation.
• 🌟 Belief in unseen powers was common, with shamans and wise people using potions and charms for healing and protection.
• 📚 Stories of witches and supernatural events were popularized by books and the printing press, blending high-minded political theory with everyday beliefs in witchcraft.
• 🖼️ Art of the time, such as Rubens' paintings, frequently depicted witches, devils, and other signs of evil.
• 📖 The Malleus Malificarum, published in 1487, was a hugely influential book that detailed the supposed evils of witchcraft and advocated for its eradication.
• ⚖️ Between 1560 and 1800, up to 100,000 people were tried for witchcraft in Europe, with the majority being women.
• 💉 Common targets for witchcraft accusations were healers and midwives, who dealt with vulnerable people like mothers and infants.
• 🔥 Torture was commonly used to extract confessions from accused witches, leading to widespread executions.
• 📉 By the 18th century, witch persecutions declined as scientific understanding increased and the view of the Devil's influence in daily life diminished.

Q & A

Who was Joan of Arc and why was she executed in 1431?

Joan of Arc was a teenage peasant girl who led the French army to victory, which bewildered the English, leading them to execute her for heresy and witchcraft.

How did people's belief in unseen powers influence their lives in European history?

People believed objects from nature could be healing or poisonous, and they often sought help from shamans, wizards, or wise people for aid and comfort.

What role did Heinrich Kramer's 'Witches’ Hammer' play in the witch hunts?

Kramer's 'Witches’ Hammer' argued that Satan caused a heresy of sorceresses, advocating an all-out war against mostly female practitioners of witchcraft, and was very influential for over a century.

Why were women predominantly accused of witchcraft during the 16th and 17th centuries?

Women, especially older or marginalized ones, were seen as vulnerable and impure. Religious scripture and societal views contributed to them being viewed as likely agents of the devil.

What factors contributed to the decline of witch hunts between 1700 and 1750?

The decline was due to a more positive view of the divine, understanding of scientific laws, and decreased political and religious turmoil.

How did artworks and literature depict witchcraft during this period?

Artworks and literature, such as those by Rubens and stories in books and broadsheets, depicted witches, devils, and demons, reflecting widespread belief in their existence.

What was the significance of Queen Elizabeth receiving a ring to protect her from the plague?

It illustrates the belief in the mystical powers of objects and the reliance on such beliefs for protection and healing during that time.

What was Jean Bodin's contribution to the discourse on witchcraft?

Jean Bodin, a jurist, wrote about witches and demonology in the vernacular, making these ideas accessible to a large audience, and showing the coexistence of political theory and belief in witchcraft.

How did witch trials typically proceed, and what was the role of torture?

Accused witches were often tortured into confessing. Torture was directed by councils and carried out by hangmen, who used it to extract confessions and evidence of supposed witchcraft.

What is the relevance of the story of Paula de Eguiluz in the context of witch trials?

Paula de Eguiluz's trials in Spanish Cuba illustrate the blending of African healing practices with Christian beliefs and how accusations of witchcraft could intertwine with colonial and racial dynamics.