Why did William Penn accept land in the New World?
A. He wanted to create a place where he could practice his religion freely.
B. He needed a place to farm and make money.
C. He wanted to create a place where he could make large amounts of money.
D. He wanted to search for gold in a new place.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is A. He wanted to create a place where he could practice his religion freely.
Explanation:
William Penn was a Quaker, a member of the Religious Society of Friends, which faced persecution in England for its beliefs. Quakers were often arrested or harassed because of their refusal to take oaths, pay tithes to the Church of England, and engage in violence. Seeking religious freedom and the opportunity to establish a community that respected Quaker principles, Penn accepted land in the New World from King Charles II of England in 1681.
The land granted to Penn became the colony of Pennsylvania. The king owed Penn’s family a debt, and to settle this, he gave Penn a vast territory. Penn saw this as an opportunity to create a safe haven for Quakers and other religious dissenters who sought freedom to worship without interference. The charter for Pennsylvania was unique because it allowed for religious freedom and established policies of fair treatment for Native Americans, which were uncommon at the time. Penn’s vision was not only to provide religious freedom for his fellow Quakers but also to create a government where liberty, democracy, and peaceful coexistence were central values.
Although Penn did hope that the colony would become economically successful, his primary motivation was religious and social reform rather than profit. He offered religious tolerance, which attracted not only Quakers but also other groups like Catholics, Jews, and Protestants fleeing religious persecution in Europe. This diversity became a hallmark of Pennsylvania and helped establish the colony as a successful and thriving society.
Thus, while there were economic opportunities in Pennsylvania, the primary reason Penn accepted the land was to create a place where people could freely practice their religion, particularly the Quaker faith, without fear of persecution.