blakie6603 blakie6603 07-03-2017 History contestada Which of the following is NOT a theory as to the cause of the Salem Witch Trials? A. They were a distraction from failed military ventures against the Native Americans. B. The rise of a mercantile elite was causing tensions between social classes in Salem. C. They were a distraction from a large budget deficit that the leaders of Salem had recently incurred. D. The rise of competition between two groups was dividing many citizens in Salem.