Geographic Features
Pennsylvania is located South of New York and to the North of Maryland. It is a land-locked colony with no coastal border, but many rivers, such as the Susquehanna. Many mountains and forests are scattered throughout Pennsylvania. The climate of Pennsylvania is mild, with a longer growing season than more northern colonies, but still long winters. Compared to northern colonies, the soil is fertile, but not as fertile as other more southern colonies.
Political Features
In 1681, King Charles II of England gave the land of Pennsylvania to William Penn, a prominent Quaker, in order to repay a debt originally owed to Penn's father. Therefore, Pennsylvania was a proprietary colony.
In 1690, after resistance to his absolute power began to build, Penn agreed to establishing a representative government with suffrage for all landowners.
In 1690, after resistance to his absolute power began to build, Penn agreed to establishing a representative government with suffrage for all landowners.
Economic Features
From the beginning, Pennsylvania was a successful colony due to William Penn's efforts in advertising and attracting settlers. Pennsylvania had good conditions for farming, with fertile soil from glaciers, water access via rivers to ports, and longer growing seasons. Because of this, it became a large exporter of grain and one of the "Bread Colonies" of the middle colonies. Moderately sized farms yielded grains such as rye, wheat, barley, and oats.
Additionally, abundant wildlife allowed for hunting, trapping, and trade to become a source of economic gain. Industries such as carpenters and masons became popular as well, since William Penn's advertisements tended to attract manual laborers and avoided the gentry.
Additionally, abundant wildlife allowed for hunting, trapping, and trade to become a source of economic gain. Industries such as carpenters and masons became popular as well, since William Penn's advertisements tended to attract manual laborers and avoided the gentry.
Social and Religious Features
In England, the Quakers were among the most despised and persecuted religious group. Many desired to emigrate to New England, but needed their own colony. William Penn, who had converted to the Quaker religion, was able to provide such a colony.
The Quaker religion is named such because followers believe that they should "tremble in the name of the Lord." They were pacifists who refused to partake in wars. Unlike others, such as Puritans, Quakers did not support the theory of predestination or original sin. Instead, they believed that salvation was achievable for everyone with effort. The Quakers did not have a formal church or a paid clergy.
Due to their pacifist nature, the Quakers and thereby Pennsylvania maintained good relationships with the Native Americans. William Penn reimbursed the natives for the land the Quakers settled on.
Pennsylvania eventually became one of the most popular colonies through the direct, informative advertising of William Penn. He attracted mainly laborers and yeoman, or small land farmers, avoiding drawing the gentry and aristocracy to the colony. Due to his meticulous planning and enlistment of colonists, Pennsylvania was a successful colony from the beginning and would grow into one of the most cosmopolitan and a center of trade.
The Quaker religion is named such because followers believe that they should "tremble in the name of the Lord." They were pacifists who refused to partake in wars. Unlike others, such as Puritans, Quakers did not support the theory of predestination or original sin. Instead, they believed that salvation was achievable for everyone with effort. The Quakers did not have a formal church or a paid clergy.
Due to their pacifist nature, the Quakers and thereby Pennsylvania maintained good relationships with the Native Americans. William Penn reimbursed the natives for the land the Quakers settled on.
Pennsylvania eventually became one of the most popular colonies through the direct, informative advertising of William Penn. He attracted mainly laborers and yeoman, or small land farmers, avoiding drawing the gentry and aristocracy to the colony. Due to his meticulous planning and enlistment of colonists, Pennsylvania was a successful colony from the beginning and would grow into one of the most cosmopolitan and a center of trade.