Can you help me correctly word and work out my salem witch hysteria thesis?

I’m having some trouble correctly wording my thesis.

I want to prove that the main cause/or factor that allowed the hysteria or accusations to occur or get out of control during the Salem 1692 outbreak was the Puritans religious and cultural beliefs and those believes are also why women were the main targets.

This is what I’ve got so far:
Puritan societies religious and cultural beliefs are what allowed the Salem witch hysteria to get out of control and also why women were the main targets of the accusations.

Does it need some work still? Any advice? Too broad or narrow? Needs better wording?

I’ve already done most of my research and feel I can back this claim up.