Explain why there was an increase in witchcraft accusations in the early modern period

Ensure that each of your points within your answer is clearly and concisely linking back to the question. For example:"One important event of the early modern period was the Witchcraft Act of 1604. This led to an increase in witchcraft accusations."
This point is correct and would likely make up part of a Level 2 or possibly low Level 3 answer, but in order to access the highest marks in Level 4 you need to show sustained analysis and prove to the examiner that you understand exactly WHY this act led to an increase in witchcraft accusations. For example: "One important event of the early modern period was the Witchcraft Act of 1604. Although witchcraft had been a crime since the Elizabethan Act of 1563, the 1604 Act was the most detailed so far and broadened the definition of witchcraft to include anyone who invoked evil spirits or familiars for any reason. Under the Elizabethan Act, the accused could not be sentenced to death unless the use of witchcraft had resulted in a death, whereas the 1604 Act considered the act of witchcraft itself a capital offence. This allowed for a greater number of prosecutions and so encouraged more people to make accusations they may not previously have made."
This point shows more detailed analysis of the 1604 Act as well as the Elizabethan Act and, crucially, explains WHY the Act led to an increase in witchcraft accusations rather than simply stating that it did so. This would therefore make up part of a Level 4 answer.

Answered by Ellen C. History tutor

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