William Penn

Write On

Grade Four

Learner Expectation

Content Standard: 5.0

Era 2 - Colonization and Settlement (1585-1763)

5.04 Recognize the role desire for freedom played in the settlement of the New World.

In this activity you will:

Investigate the life of William Penn and the effect his beliefs had on colonization.

Compose a paragraph describing how Penn’s ideas about freedom helped to encourage colonization of early America.

William Penn & His Beliefs

William Penn was a member of the Society of Friends or Quakers.

The Quakers believed that all people were equal.

Quakers were also against violence and believed in solving problems peacefully.

The Formation of Pennsylvania

In 1681, the English King established a charter which made Penn “proprietor” of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania means “Penn’s Woods” Pennsylvania was to be a place of refuge

and religious freedom

William Penn & the American Indians

The Quakers wanted to live peacefully with existing tribes.

Penn established a “Great Treaty” with the Delaware Indians, in order to purchase land.

William Penn & the American Indians

Unfortunately many Native Americans were killed by diseases brought by the new settlers.

Penn’s Frame of Government

William Penn wrote a document named the “Frame of Government” which included:– Freedom of Speech– Freedom of Worship– Trial by Jury

William Penn’s Influence

Penn’s ideas about freedom influenced many people to immigrate to America.

Many immigrants came seeking freedom of religion including:– Catholics– Lutherans– Jews

Penn’s Vision for a New Society

Penn planned the “City of Brotherly Love” or Philadelphia.

He hoped that people in Philadelphia and the colony of Pennsylvania would live peacefully together.

His beliefs influenced the formation of a new society in early America.

Writing Activity

Compose a paragraph describing how Penn’s ideas about freedom helped to encourage colonization of early America.