Penn thought of his colony as a "holy experiment." He wanted it to be a model of religious freedom, peace, and Christian living. Protestants, Catholics, and Jews went to Pennsylvania to escape persecution. Later, English officials forced Penn to turn away Catholic and Jewish settlers.

Question

Penn's Quaker beliefs led him to speak out for fair treatment of Native Americans. Penn believed that the land in North America belonged to the Native Americans.
He insisted that settlers should pay for the land. Native Americans respected him for this policy.
As a result, Pennsylvania colonists enjoyed many years of peace with their Native American neighbors. One settler remarked, "as Penn treated the Native Americans with extraordinary humanity, they became civil and loving to us."
Use the excerpt to answer the question.
Considering this reading and other readings from your text, which of the following made Pennsylvania under William Penn different from other colonies?

Answer 1

Pennsylvania under William Penn was distinct from other colonies for several key reasons:

1. Religious Tolerance: Penn established Pennsylvania as a "holy experiment" focused on religious freedom, attracting a diverse population that included Protestants, Catholics, and Jews seeking refuge from persecution. This level of religious tolerance was more advanced than in many other colonies, where specific denominations often dominated and marginalized others.

2. Fair Treatment of Native Americans: Unlike many other colonial leaders, Penn advocated for fair dealings with Native Americans, insisting that settlers pay for the land. This respectful approach fostered peace and cooperation between Pennsylvania colonists and Native American tribes, contrasting with the often violent and exploitative relationships in other colonies.

3. Quaker Principles: Penn's Quaker beliefs emphasized equality, non-violence, and community. These principles were reflected in the governance and societal structure of Pennsylvania, which prioritized peaceful coexistence and moral integrity over conquest and domination.

4. Long-Lasting Peace: The positive relationships Penn fostered with Native Americans led to an unprecedented period of peace compared to other colonies, which often faced conflicts and wars with indigenous peoples.

Overall, Pennsylvania's commitment to religious diversity, fair treatment of Native Americans, and the influence of Quaker beliefs set it apart from other colonies during William Penn's leadership.