1. Influence of the Church: The official religion of England during this period was Protestantism, and many Protestant reformers believed that witches were in league with the devil. The Bible was interpreted literally, and passages that mentioned witchcraft, such as Exodus 22:18, were taken as evidence of its existence.
2. Demonology: Demonology, the study of demons and their activities, was a prominent field of study during this time, and many scholars believed that witches were in communication with evil spirits. Books such as "Malleus Maleficarum" (The Hammer of Witches), published in 1486, provided detailed accounts of witchcraft and methods to identify and prosecute suspected witches.
3. Political and Social Unrest: The Elizabethan era was a period of significant social and political upheaval, with religious conflicts, economic disparities, and wars. Witches were often seen as scapegoats for these issues, and accusations of witchcraft could be used to settle personal scores or eliminate perceived threats.
4. Fear and Superstition: Widespread superstition and fear of the unknown were prevalent in Elizabethan society, and many people genuinely believed in the existence of supernatural forces and witchcraft. The belief in witches was reinforced by stories, folklore, and rumors passed down through generations.
5. Witchcraft as a Crime: The Witchcraft Act of 1563 and the Witchcraft Act of 1604 made witchcraft a serious crime punishable by death. This legal framework further legitimized the persecution of suspected witches and fueled the fear and hysteria surrounding witchcraft.
6. Scientific Knowledge: Elizabethan England was a time of transition in scientific knowledge, and many people still held beliefs based on medieval scholasticism and traditional lore. The understanding of natural phenomena was limited, and events that couldn't be easily explained were often attributed to witchcraft.
7. Medical Beliefs: The medical knowledge of the time was primitive, and illnesses and misfortunes that couldn't be explained by natural causes were often blamed on witchcraft. Some individuals were accused of using malevolent magic to inflict harm upon others.
8. Gender Roles: Women were particularly vulnerable to accusations of witchcraft during this period. Due to societal prejudices, women who exhibited strong personalities or engaged in non-traditional roles were more likely to be targeted as witches.
It's important to note that not everyone in Elizabethan England believed in witches and witchcraft, but the combination of religious, cultural, and social factors created an environment where such beliefs were widely held and supported by both the Church and the state.