The people in Salem village were afraid of witches. This was due to a combination of factors, including the religious climate of the time and the social dynamics of the village. The Puritans, who founded Salem village, believed that witches were real and that they were a threat to the community. This belief was reinforced by the fact that many people in the village had experienced unusual or unexplained events, such as sudden illnesses or crop failures. In addition, the village was divided into factions, and accusations of witchcraft were often used as a way to settle disputes. This combination of factors created a climate of fear and suspicion, which led to the Salem witch trials.