Which factor contributed to the educational emphasis in colonial New England?

The emphasis on education in colonial New England was primarily driven by the desire to read and interpret religious texts. This motivation stemmed from the Puritan belief system, which underscored the importance of personal reading of the Bible and understanding scripture. The Puritans viewed literacy as essential not only for personal faith but also for participating in a community that valued religious observance and moral conduct.

Consequently, New England colonies established schools and institutions, such as Harvard College in 1636, to ensure that individuals could read religious texts, thus fostering an educated society aligned with their theological beliefs. This focus on education laid the groundwork for the region’s long-term commitment to literacy and learning, setting a precedent that would resonate through subsequent generations.

In contrast, while business skills and military training were indeed important in other colonies, they did not play the foundational role that religious literacy did in New England. Additionally, the learning of foreign languages was not a primary focus during this period, as the emphasis was more on religious texts rather than on linguistic studies.