New England colonies during the 1700s?

During the 1700s, the New England colonies, including Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire, developed a distinct identity characterized by a focus on community and religious adherence, particularly Puritanism. The economy was largely based on small-scale farming, fishing, shipbuilding, and trade, with towns serving as the social and economic hubs. Education and literacy rates were high, driven by the Puritan belief in the importance of reading the Bible. The region's governance often involved town meetings, reflecting early democratic principles.