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 Indians.
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 Indian neighbors. One settler remarked, “as Penn treated the Indians with extraordinary humanity, they became civil and loving to us.”

Considering this reading and other readings from your text, which of the following made Pennsylvania under William Penn different from other colonies?
A. Religious freedom was encouraged in Pennsylvania
B. Colonists generally treated Native Americans with respect
C. There was frequent conflict with Native Americans
D. Some colonists were persecuted for their religious beliefs

Answer 1

The correct answer is A. Religious freedom was encouraged in Pennsylvania.

While option B is also true, as Penn's policies fostered respectful relations with Native Americans, the distinct emphasis of Pennsylvania under William Penn was its commitment to religious freedom and a sanctuary for various religious groups escaping persecution.