Switzerland

• When did the first serious hunts occur in Switzerland?

  In the 1390s
• Which Swiss valleys were involved in the first serious hunts?

  Swiss valleys of the Simmental
• What languages are currently spoken in Switzerland?

  French, German, and Italian
• How did higher literacy rates in highland areas affect witchcraft beliefs?

  Increased influence of demonologies
• What was the conviction rate due to torture during witch trials?

  90% conviction rate
• How many times were individuals tortured according to the Carolina code?

  Three times
• How many trials were conducted in Geneva?

  477 trials
• What percentage of the group of 31 women tried in Geneva were executed?

  71% were executed
• How many witches were believed to be executed in Switzerland?

  10,000 witches
• What was Marguerite Peigne accused of in Correnol?

  Curing neighbors with herbs
• What did Monter claim about misogyny in Swiss trials?

  It was a basic force underlying trials
• What percentage of victims were women in the witch trials?

  70% of victims
• What was the percentage of female victims in Basel?

  95% of victims
• In Pays De Vaud, what fraction of victims were men?

  1/3 of victims
• How many executions took place in Pays De Vaud between 1560-1660?

  3000 executions
• What was the guilt assumption in Pays De Vaud trials?

  Guilt was assumed in advance
• What was the role of torture in obtaining confessions?

  Torture was used to extract confessions
• Why is it difficult to name key figures in Swiss witch trials?

  Lack of substantial evidence
• What was Geneva's execution rate for accused witches?

  21% of accused were executed
• How did Protestant views on witchcraft differ from Catholic views in Switzerland?

  Protestants pursued witches zealously
• How many cantons in Switzerland became Protestant?

  Six cantons
• What was the political impact of religious disunity in Switzerland?

  It suffered politically from disunity
• What conflict did Switzerland avoid during the 30 Years War?

  Conflict between Protestant and Catholic cantons
• What were the main features of witch trials in Switzerland?

  • First serious hunts in the 1390s
  • Trilingual society with diverse beliefs
  • Higher literacy rates influenced demonologies
  • 90% conviction rate due to torture
  • 477 trials in Geneva with 31 women tried
  • 10,000 witches executed in total
• What were the characteristics of victims in Swiss witch trials?

  • 70% of victims were women
  • 95% of victims in Basel were women
  • 1/3 of victims in Pays De Vaud were men
  • Marguerite Peigne was convicted for curing neighbors
  • 3000 executions in Pays De Vaud (1560-1660)
• What were the key religious influences on witch trials in Switzerland?

  • Geneva executed 21% of accused
  • Protestants pursued witches zealously
  • Six cantons became Protestant, seven remained Catholic
  • Political disunity due to religious conflict