The Salem Panic Shows How Easily a Society Can Unravel

After the governor dissolved the court, the colony began the slow reckoning of its actions. It happened in stages. By 1711, the Massachusetts colonial government passed a bill that formally reversed many of the accused convictions, restoring their rights and good names. The colony also offered some financial compensation to the victims’ families. But apologies and money could not undo the damage. 19 people were still dead. Families were still broken. The apologies were necessary, but they came far too late.