2. Making a Living
Although much of the land was HILLY, ROCKY, and hard to plow, the
New England colonists did succeed in some forms of FARMING.
New Englanders also engaged in FISHING. In addition to catching fish
for themselves, they sold fish to other colonists. As a result, FISHING
became an important part of the New England ECONOMY.
New Englanders hunted and cut TIMBER in the forests. Using the
many trees in the region, colonists also developed the profitable
business of SHIPBUILDING.
Women played productive roles in the New England economy. They
worked on FARMS, ran shops, and made GOODS.
New England soon became part of the TRIANGULAR TRADE ROUTE,
which transported materials, manufactured goods, and SLAVES in
triangle-like routes connecting NORTH AMERICA, AFRICA, and the
WEST INDIES.
10. A Belief in Education
The PURITANS believed that people needed enough
education to read the bible and understand LAWS.
In 1636, the MASSACHUSETTS colony established the
colonies’ first college, HARVARD, to train ministers. In
1647, colonial leaders set up the first PUBLIC SCHOOL
SYSTEM.
14. Community Life
The FAMILY was important in New England. Puritan
children had to OBEY THEIR PARENTS.
Communities in New England were centered around
RELIGION. Sunday, the Sabbath, was the high point of
the week. Colonists spent much of that day PRAYING
AND ATTENDING CHURCH.
New Englanders dealt with community problems and
other issues at TOWN MEETINGS attended by
WHITE MALE PROPERTY OWNERS, who voted on
important community questions.
