Last Execution for Witchcraft in Germany

Overview

On April 11, 1775, the last known execution for witchcraft in Germany took place in the town of Kempten, located in the modern-day state of Bavaria. This event marked the conclusion of an era in which witch trials and executions were a grim reality across Europe.

Historical Context

Witch hunts in Europe began in the late medieval period and reached their peak during the 16th and 17th centuries, a time marked by social upheaval, religious conflict, and widespread superstition. The Holy Roman Empire, which encompassed parts of modern Germany, was one of the regions with frequent and severe witch trials.

The decline of witch hunts in Germany and Europe can be attributed to several factors by the mid-18th century:

1. Enlightenment Thinking: The rise of Enlightenment ideas promoted reason, skepticism, and scientific inquiry, challenging the superstitions that fueled witch hunts.
2. Legal Reforms: Many regions began implementing more rational legal procedures, reducing the likelihood of convictions based on spurious evidence like spectral evidence.
3. Religious Changes: The gradual decline of religious superstitions and increasing tolerance also played a role in reducing witch hunts.

The Case of Anna Maria Schwägelin

Anna Maria Schwägelin, a domestic servant in Kempten, was accused of witchcraft. Her case was one of the last in a declining tradition of witch trials that continued sporadically even after the height of the witch hunt era.

• Accusations: Schwägelin was accused of entering into a pact with the Devil and causing minor local disturbances through her supposed magical abilities.
• Trial: During the trial, confessions were likely extracted under duress, reflecting the coercive interrogation methods commonly used in witch trials.

Execution and Historical Impact

• Execution: Schwägelin was convicted and executed by beheading on April 11, 1775.
• Significance: This execution is historically significant as it symbolized the end of the period of witch hunts in Germany. The case highlighted the fading remnants of medieval superstitions even as Enlightenment ideals began to take hold more firmly across Europe.

Aftermath

The execution of Anna Maria Schwägelin is regarded as a turning point reflecting the broader societal transformation taking place. Her case has been studied as a cautionary tale of the dangers of mass hysteria and the misuse of judicial power. It serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding due process and rational inquiry in legal proceedings. This shift paved the way for a more rational and justice-oriented approach to alleged criminal behavior.