Why were witchfinders so successful?

Answer 1

Witchfinders were successful due to a combination of social, political, and religious factors. The fear of witchcraft was prevalent in many communities, fueled by superstition and the desire to explain misfortunes like disease or crop failures. Additionally, witchfinders often leveraged existing tensions and conflicts within communities, using their authority and persuasive tactics to identify and accuse individuals as witches. The backing of local authorities and religious leaders further legitimized their activities, leading to widespread panic and persecution.