Was education in the New England colonies was important because parents wanted their children to be able to run their businesses successfully?

Yes, education in the New England colonies was important, as parents recognized that literacy and practical skills were essential for their children to manage and succeed in family businesses. The Puritan emphasis on reading The Bible also drove the desire for education, ensuring that children were equipped with both spiritual and practical knowledge. This focus on education laid the foundation for higher literacy rates and the eventual establishment of schools and colleges in the region.