This is a very complicated question and we have limited
space, so let me get you started and perhaps you can take these ideas
further.
Religious Freedom -
Puritans, despite what many believe, did not practice religious freedom,
far from it. They only wanted freedom for themselves, no one else. This led to
excommunications and the development of religious sects in the rest of New
England.
Political Freedom -
As charter colonies, New England was supposedly loyal to the King of
England as well as the Church. But distance and a degree of royal indifference gave
them de facto political freedom. Fledgling democratic institutions such as elections
and the town meeting began without much interference from the crown, and developed over
time.
Social Freedom - It is
difficult to argue that social freedom existed to any large degree in early New
England. Slavery was legal, though not widely practiced. Racism against Native
Americans was nearly universal, and a policy of genocide existed in some areas. Women
were effectively second class citizens and the punishment of the Church or society in
general for infractions against custom or law in many places was often harsh and
unforgiving.
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