1a) Name one moral crime from the period 1500 - 1750 (4 marks)

Point: One moral crime during this period was witchcraft.

Evidence: Belief in witchcraft was widespread across Europe and even in the American colonies. The Salem Witch Trials, which took place in Massachusetts in 1692, are perhaps the most famous example of this. However, witch hunts and trials were common in many parts of Europe, particularly during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Explanation: People believed that witches were individuals, often women, who had made pacts with the devil and gained supernatural powers. They were feared for their supposed ability to cause harm through curses, malevolent magic, and even control over the natural world. This fear was rooted in a combination of factors. Religious beliefs, particularly those surrounding the Devil and demonic influence, played a significant role. Social anxieties, such as fear of the unknown and suspicion of those who were different, also fuelled accusations. Furthermore, the lack of scientific understanding of natural phenomena meant that misfortune or illness was often attributed to supernatural causes, including witchcraft.