Witchcraft, Weather and Economic Growth in Renaissance Europe

@article{Oster2004WitchcraftWA,
  title={Witchcraft, Weather and Economic Growth in Renaissance Europe},
  author={Emily F. Oster},
  journal={European Economics eJournal},
  year={2004}
}
  • E. Oster
  • Published 30 March 2004
  • History
  • European Economics eJournal
In the period between 1300 and 1800 as many as one million people were executed in Europe for the crime of witchcraft. Although a variety of theories about the witch-hunts have been put forward over time, little has been said about the possibility that the witch-hunts were motivated by a desire for vengeance in a time of misfortune. This paper connects the witch-hunts in Europe with deteriorating weather and slow economic growth during this period. The most intense period of witch-hunting… 
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