The witchcraft hysteria began to subside by the mid-seventeenth century for all of the following reasons EXCEPT
A)a tempering of religious passions in the wake of religious wars.
B)the growing unwillingness of magistrates to accept the conditions generated by trials of witches.
C)the stabilization of governments after a period of crisis.
D)the questioning of traditional attitudes toward religion.
E)the passage of laws recognizing the equality of women in European society.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The passage of laws recognizing the equality of women in European society does not appear to be a significant factor in the decline of witchcraft hysteria. The other options, such as a tempering of religious passions and a questioning of traditional attitudes toward religion, suggest a shift in cultural attitudes and societal changes that may have contributed to the decline of witch hunts.

The Witchcraft Hysteria Began to Subside by the Mid-Seventeenth Century