Was Early Modern Europe a Persecuting Society?

One could not be blamed when reading about the Early Modern period for thinking that it was a highly violent and persecuting society. The trials for witchcraft in addition to the Inquisition and the burning of both Protestants and Catholics are at the forefront of ones mind. This essay seeks to explain what the effects of these various institutions were, as well as placing them in a sufficient enough context to be able to state whether Early Modern Europe had a persecuting society. Additionally, the influences that created the methods of persecution as well as having an effect on them once…