What did the character of New England's society emphasize during the 17th Century?

During the 17th century, New England's society was heavily influenced by the Puritanical beliefs of its settlers, which emphasized religious conformity and community cohesion. The Puritans sought to create a "City upon a Hill," a model community that they believed would exemplify their religious ideals. This vision fostered a strong sense of community, where adherence to religious practices was paramount.

Widespread participation in town meetings and local governance reflected the cohesive nature of New England society, as community decisions often revolved around shared religious values. The importance placed on establishing a moral society meant that laws and social norms were heavily influenced by religious doctrine, reinforcing uniformity in beliefs and practices among the settlers.

The close-knit nature of towns and the collective effort to uphold Puritanical ideals contributed significantly to the social fabric of New England during this period. This emphasis on religion and community over individual economic pursuits or industrial development distinguished New England from other regions where economic diversity or different social structures might have been more prevalent.