"Life for the individuals who chose to come to New England during the Colonial Period was difficult. 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? 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. Readers 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."--BOOK JACKET.