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I don't think it was a mistake in what they were trying to do necessarily, as they were just doing what they believed was God's will. Compared to Europe, America was very careful in launching witch trials.

The mistake was relying too much on the hysteria as proof that something was going on, as well as having a very low bar for conviction.

Something weird was going on (you should read some primary source documents about how people could not even be moved in bed....they were rigid and stiff), though modern historians gloss over this and ignore it. The doctor checked for epilepsy as an explanation for the seizures/convulsions. Something happened that caused things to get out of control. I don't think it was witchcraft, despite the fact that the servant of the minister was from Barbados and had a heritage of practicing magic. Her telling stories of magic to the 'afflicted girls' may have helped lead to the hysteria, but I don't believe there was any real coven of witches up in Danvers or Salem. I don't know what really was the cause of the weird happenings.

The aspect of the whole mess that really gets me is the execution of Rebecca Nurse, a wonderful, caring, strong Christian woman. She was found innocent, but the afflicted girls went nuts and eventually the court found her guilty without joy. I remember reading the trial transcript and she cries out to God to declare her innocent...I can only imagine the pain she went through.....for being accused, as well as seeing the difficulties the accusing girls were going through. I have no doubt she found peace in Christ at the end, however.

Anyway, I better get to bed. You kind of led me to open my big mouth and talk a lot though....lol.