The European witch craze refers to a period from the late 15th to the 18th century when thousands of people, mostly women, were accused of witchcraft across Europe. This phenomenon was fueled by social, religious, and political tensions, leading to widespread fear of witches believed to be in league with the devil. Many were subjected to trials, torture, and execution, often based on dubious evidence. The witch hunts were particularly intense in regions like Germany, Scotland, and Switzerland. The publication of texts such as the Malleus Maleficarum helped legitimize the persecution of alleged witches. By the 18th century, the craze began to decline as Enlightenment ideas promoted reason and skepticism, leading to a reevaluation of witchcraft beliefs.