The Crucible - what is there about the society of Salem, which allows the girls stories to be believed?

The Crucible - what is there about the society of Salem, which allows the girls stories to be believed? The edge of the wilderness was close by. The American continent stretched endlessly west, and it was full of mystery for them. It stood dark and threatening, over their shoulders night and day, for out of it Indian tribes marauded from time to time. <Tab/><Tab/><…

…more about money eg. The golden candlesticks and as said in Act 1, 'very little good to be said about him. The witch-hunt made him feel holy and right doing. When his enemies are condemned to die, he pleads for a postponement because he fears he may be assassinated, not because of concern for victims.) And once the executions had begun, it proved difficult for anyone involved to accept that a terrible mistake had been made.