Greenwood Press Daily Life Through History
2 total works
This book presents a unique perspective on life in Colonial England, exposing many misconceptions and depicting how elements of its culture that are typically regarded as marginal-such as the activities of pirates-actually had an extensive impact of the populace.
The daily lives of most colonial New Englanders were much more colorful and exotic than the drab, pious picture many of us have in mind. Daily Life in Colonial New England exposes as myth much of what we might believe about this era and reveals surprising truths-for example, that sex was openly discussed in Colonial times and was regarded as a welcome necessity of married life, and that women had more legal and marital rights than they did in the 19th century.
The book describes topics such as the legal and sexual rights of women, the extent of infant mortality; the lives of underclass citizens who formed the majority in New England, such as indentured servants, African slaves, debtors, and criminals; and the integral role that pirates played in business and employment during the Colonial period. Readers will gain deeper insight into what life during this period was like through accounts of the real terror of being one of the accused in witch hunts and the sympathy that the general population had for dissidents who were questioned and arrested by the government. Primary materials that range from legal documents to sermons, letters, and diaries are used as sources that verify historical ideas and events.
- Provides readers with an understanding of the nature of religious sentiment in Colonial America, which was characterized by a desire to have religious freedom for themselves but not for others
- Depicts the constant rebellion and subsequent cruelty inherent to colonial society
- Examines the majority underclass populations, such as indentured servants, Native Americans, and African Americans
- Addresses myths about Puritan women, marriage, sex, and child raising
Life for the individuals who chose to come to New England during the Colonial Period was anything but easy. This reference resource explores the everyday details of colonial life in New England and exposes as myth much of what we might believe about this era, environment and people. How exactly and why did their religious beliefs help structure their lives? What roles did women play in this society? How were people tried and punished for their crimes? Students can find thoroughly researched answers to these questions and others to help them learn exactly what everyday life was like for New Englanders during the Colonial Period.
Students may be surprised to find what a large role the environment played in these people's lives, from the structuring of their homes to their diet and health. Religion was a driving force for most of them, in ways that may be difficult for modern-day readers to understand. Here readers will find an excellent description of how religion could play the role it did and how it affected the details of everyday living. Details of the lives of the Native Americans in New England during this era as well as Africans who had been brought to this location by the settlers are also provided.