the witch hunts were the product of capitalism, not medieval feudalism. Almost all of the witch hunts and burnings happened during the transition to capitalism as ways to punish peasant women into accepting proletarianization.

During the period of Early Modern Europe (roughly 1450-1750), an estimated 40,000 to 60,000 people were executed for witchcraft, with the majority of those executed being women. The highest concentration of witch trials occurred in southwestern Germany between 1561 and 1670.

I don't know about you, but people aren't generally referring to 1670 Germany when they're talking about "Medieval Peasants". They're talking about the Medieval period, which was from 500-1500 AD roughly. The title of this post is about 1320s Alsace after all, late medieval - not a lot of witch hunts happening. This was prime tinturemaxxing time.

[–] XiaCobolt@hexbear.net 5 points 2 weeks ago

That and burning at the stake was basically reserved for unrepentant "heretics" in the middle ages your Jan Hus, Joan of Arc types etc. Sometimes heretics also got accused of witch craft, but that was kind of padding the charges.