Why did the puritan settlements surround a village green?

For Puritans, community was very important. This was particularly true in the New England settlements, as the population was very small and they were all united by their common faith. Their settlements were built in this way because the village green provided a space that was accessible to everyone. It allowed neighbours to interact with one another. It was also perfect as a place for public services and market interactions.

the old way of life was represented by superstition, an angry god, and absolute submission to authority. the thinkers of the age of reason ushered in a new way of thinking. this new way championed the accomplishments of humankind. individuals did not have to accept despair. science and reason could bring happiness and progress. kings did not rule by divine right. they had an obligation to their subjects. europeans pondered the implications for nearly a century. americans put them into practice first.