Discuss the social and historical background of ( The Devil and Tom Walker ) by Washington lrving. What historical allusions does lrving include in the story?

The Devil and Tom Walker is a short story by Washington Irving that was published in 1824. The story is set in the early 18th century in New England, a time and place marked by colonization, religious fervor, and the growth of capitalism. The story is a retelling of the old German folktale "The Devil and the Farmer's Wife," and is set in a dense, swampy forest on the outskirts of Boston. One of the main historical allusions in the story is to the Salem witch trials, which took place in Massachusetts in the late 17th century. In the story, Tom Walker encounters the ghost of a woman who was executed as a witch in Salem, and she tells him about the evils of the world and the dangers of making deals with the devil. Another historical allusion in the story is to the practice of slavery. Tom Walker's wife is described as being "of African descent" and is treated very harshly by her husband. This is a reference to the widespread practice of slavery in the colonies at the time, and the brutal treatment of enslaved people. Additionally, the story alludes to the rise of capitalism and the emergence of a new class of wealthy merchants and financiers in the early 18th century. Tom Walker becomes very wealthy through his deal with the devil, and is described as being "greedy" and "avaricious." This is a commentary on the greed and excess that was associated with the rise of capitalism in this period. Overall, The Devil and Tom Walker is a story that is steeped in the social and historical context of its time and place. Irving uses historical allusions to explore themes of greed, corruption, and the dangers of temptation.