Here's why Hopkins was successful in witch hunting:
* Existing Fear: Belief in witchcraft was widespread in Europe at the time. People feared the unknown and blamed misfortunes like illness, crop failures, and storms on witchcraft.
* Political Instability: The Civil War created a climate of fear and uncertainty, making people susceptible to accusations and paranoia.
* Personal Gain: Hopkins saw an opportunity for personal gain and power. He was appointed by the Parliamentarian government and profited from the seizures of property from accused witches.
* "Witchcraft Tests": Hopkins developed a set of "tests" to identify witches, which were nonsensical and often cruel. These "tests" were used to intimidate and extract confessions from innocent people.
* Public Support: While Hopkins' methods were brutal, he had support from some segments of the population. Many people genuinely believed in witchcraft and were eager to identify and punish witches.
While the exact motivations behind Hopkins' actions are debated, it is clear that he was driven by a combination of ambition, opportunism, and the pre-existing social and political environment of the time. His actions, however, were ultimately fueled by superstition and fear, leading to the deaths of countless innocent people.