- Puritans sought religious freedom and established a theocracy, believing that the government should be based on the laws of the Bible.
Education:
- They placed great importance on education and established the first public schools in America, promoting literacy and knowledge among the population.
Civic Participation:
- The colony operated on the principles of participatory democracy and town meetings where male church members had the right to vote and actively participate in decision-making.
Economic Independence:
- New Englanders aimed for self-sufficiency and engaged in various economic activities such as farming, fishing, shipbuilding, and trade.
Work Ethic and Thrift:
- The Protestant work ethic emphasized hard work, self-discipline, and frugality, which became core values of the colony's society.