Describe the significant changes in New England society, culture, economy, and politics as well as the influence of Puritanism in the late 1600s.
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In the late 1600s, New England experienced significant changes in its society, culture, economy, and politics, largely influenced by Puritanism.
1. Society: New England society was primarily characterized by a strong sense of community and religious devotion. Puritanism played a central role in shaping the social structure and morals of the region. Puritans emphasized the importance of family, education, and hard work. They also established tight-knit communities based on the principles of the church.
2. Culture: Puritanism had a profound impact on New England's cultural development. The Puritans valued education and literacy, leading to the establishment of Harvard College in 1636 as an institution to train clergy. Puritans also believed in plainness and simplicity, reflected in their clothing, architecture, and artistic expressions. The emphasis on religious beliefs and practices heavily influenced the cultural norms of the region.
3. Economy: New England's economy evolved from primarily agrarian to more diverse and dynamic. Initially, agriculture was the mainstay of the colonial economy, with farmers relying on subsistence farming for their sustenance. However, geographical limitations, such as rocky soil and a harsh climate, limited the scale of agriculture. Later, as trade and commerce grew, the region developed a significant maritime industry with fishing, shipbuilding, and whaling as major economic activities.
4. Politics: The Puritans' religious beliefs were tightly intertwined with their political practices. They established a theocratic system of government, with church leaders holding substantial power and authority. Town, or local, governments were responsible for running the daily affairs, and church membership was often a prerequisite for voting and holding political office. However, over time, political power became more secularized as New England increasingly integrated into the British colonial administration.
In summary, the late 1600s in New England saw significant changes in society, culture, economy, and politics, largely influenced by Puritanism. Puritan beliefs shaped the social structure and cultural norms, emphasizing community, education, and religious devotion. The economy transitioned from subsistence agriculture to a more diverse maritime industry. The political system initially had a theocratic nature, but gradually became more secularized.