NC+Pennsylvania

Nicole Chiappetti AP US History Hour: 1 Mr. Rowells September 6, 2009 Pennsylvania Preference  Advertisements spread all over the world encouraged everyone to settle in Pennsylvania. Established in 1681 by William Penn; it started as a haven for Quakers also known as the Society of Friends. People wanted to colonize in Pennsylvania because of the freedom it offered. It was a diverse state where everyone was equal. Pennsylvania is the settlement of choice because it was socially diverse, for example, giving rights to women and for its religious tolerance. It was also a favorite for economic reasons, for example, everyone was given free land with no taxation for the church.  The social aspects of Pennsylvania had never been heard of anywhere else. The Natives of the land became friends with the colonists for quite a few years. They traded back and forth, and the colonists even paid the Indians for letting them use their land. The greatest difference Pennsylvania had compared to the other states was tolerance of all types of religions and for the rights of women. It was a safe haven for the “outcast” religions like Judaism or Quakerism. It didn’t push the colonists into choosing a religion. They were allowed to worship if they wanted, but they were never forced to. This tolerance was so enjoyed that the population continued to grow because people wanted to live there. Pennsylvania was completely against everything England did. The only laws created involved no violence and the low consumption of alcohol. The women who immigrated there were treated just as equal as the men, which was unheard of in other parts of the world. Some would say the people who lived there were “colonial hippies” but they were just enjoying life. The state and its inhabitants went completely opposite of everything else and everyone, which is what made it so great.  Pennsylvania was a gift to William Penn for his support of King Charles I of England. The King wanted it developed for two main reasons first, to get rid of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and second, to prosper off the land. King Charles II hated the Puritan religion and wanted to make it powerless. He had no idea what Penn had planned for Pennsylvania. It was known as a “holy experiment”. Penn gave free land to everyone, and the economy became better and better as more colonists came. The colonists were not taxed for church, and with all the churches supporting themselves it kept them going on its own. Everyone had to work so that everyone could survive. The main focus was on independent farming though because through their independence the colonists were able to feed themselves. All laws were created in favor of everyone to avoid conflict. Pennsylvania was not even connected to England in anyway because the people did what they wanted when they wanted too. Economically Pennsylvania was set for many years to come.  In conclusion Pennsylvania is the state of choice because of the options it gives its inhabitants. It is economically stable and its social diversity makes it an original. The people provide for themselves, and everyone is fairly content with within their community. The freedom of religion is one of the main reasons why it prospered so well. The Massachusetts Bay Colony could never compare to Pennsylvania’s greatness.   