Pennsylvania
In 1682, William Penn founded Pennsylvania. William Penn was a Quaker (apart of the Religious Society of Friends - a sect of Christianity) and in England, Quakers were often jailed, fined, and persecuted. So, like the Puritans, Penn traveled across the ocean to find religious freedom in America. Although William Penn founded Pennsylvania for the Quakers, he believed in religious tolerance and welcomed people of all religions to live in his colony. He believed in the respect and equal treatment of all people, and promoted the spirit of brotherly love. Because of this, Penn built good relationships with the local Native Americans, and many people of different religions felt free to settle in the Quaker colony. |
Philidelphia became the largest and most prosperous city in Pennsylvania. As for government, most white males could vote for the Assembly, which made new laws. Many settlers in Pennsylvania were farmers, and most enjoyed prosperity and wealth. In addition to farming cash crops, the economy was widely based on shipbuilding and trade. |