#8: Neighbors Turned on Each Other
At first, outcasts were the accused. But as hysteria rose, even good standing in the church could protect you. Martha Corey’s arrest, a devoted church member, shocked the community. Villagers thought if someone like her could be accused, then absolutely anyone could. It proved that the church couldn’t shield its own faithful members. The message was clear: in Salem in 1692, no one was safe. Your reputation was worthless against a convincing accusation.
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