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.