Most scholars today believe that accusations of witchcraft during the Middle Ages and Renaissance were ________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

There is considerable evidence that accusations of witchcraft in the Middle Ages and Renaissance were often related to convenient means of disposing of social nuisances and seizing property. Many accused witches were often women who were viewed as undesirable due to their poverty, old age, or lack of conformity to established social norms. In addition, the witch trials were often accompanied by a significant transfer of wealth from the accused to the accusers or the state, further supporting the theory that the trials were motivated by financial gain rather than genuine beliefs about witchcraft.

Most Scholars Today Believe That Accusations of Witchcraft During the Middle