Final answer:
The religious enthusiasm in New England was strong during the colonial period, with the Puritans establishing a society based on their religious beliefs. However, over time, the enthusiasm waned as people embraced more liberal ideas influenced by the Enlightenment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The religious enthusiasm in New England during the colonial period was a defining characteristic of the region. The Puritans, who settled in New England, had a strong religious conviction and established a society based on their religious beliefs.
Religious practices, such as attending church services, reading the Bible, and praying, were central to daily life. The religious enthusiasm manifested in various ways, including the establishment of churches and the strict enforcement of moral and religious codes.
However, over time, the religious enthusiasm in New England waned as people started to question traditional religious beliefs and embrace more liberal ideas influenced by the Enlightenment. The Great Awakening, a religious revival movement in the mid-18th century, brought a temporary revival of religious fervor, but it was followed by a decline in religious authority and the rise of more diverse religious beliefs.