Pennsylvania
Romanovska, Mariya, O.
American History – AMH2010
Section 1015
Colonization and Development of Pennsylvania
Outline:
I. Political history of Pennsylvania
A. Conflict between proprietary and Assembly
B. Conflict between people
II. Economical system of Pennsylvania
A. Agriculture
B. Manufacturing
C. Commerce and Transportation
III. Social and Cultural life in Pennsylvania
A. Different nationalities
B. Variety of religions
C. Arts and learning
Colonization and Development of Pennsylvania
King Charles II owed William Penn Ј16,000, money which
Admiral Penn had lent him. Penn asked the King to grant him land in the
territory between Lord Baltimore's province of Maryland and the Duke of
York's province of New York. With the Duke's support, Penn's petition was
granted. The King signed the Charter of Pennsylvania on March 4, 1681, and
it was officially proclaimed on April 2. The King named the new colony in
honor of William Penn's father; here the history of the successful and
tolerant colony begins. Pennsylvania played a very important role in
development of what we know as United States of America now.
Political history of Pennsylvania is very bright and
controversial. There was a natural conflict between the proprietary and
popular elements in the government. As a result of the English Revolution
of 1688, Penn was deprived of his province. A popular party led by David
Lloyd demanded greater powers for the Assembly. In December 1699, the
Proprietor again visited Pennsylvania and, just before his return to
England, agreed with the Assembly on a revised constitution, the Charter of
Privileges. This gave the Assembly full legislative powers and permitted
the three Delaware counties to have a separate legislature. William Penn's
heirs were often in conflict with the Assembly, which was usually dominated
by the Quakers. The people of the frontier areas contended with the people
of the older, southeastern region for more adequate representation in the
Assembly and better protection in time of war.
Economical system of Pennsylvania is its strength and
proud. From its beginning, Pennsylvania ranked as a leading agricultural
area and produced surpluses for export, adding to its wealth. Wheat and
corn were the leading crops. Prosperous farming area was developed in
southeastern parts of colony. Arts, crafts, and textile production grew
rapidly. Sawmills and gristmills appeared, using the power of the streams.
Shipbuilding became important on the Delaware. The province early gained
importance in iron manufacture. Printing, publishing, and papermaking, as
well as tanning, were significant industries. The rivers were important as
early arteries of commerce and were soon supplemented by roads in the
southeastern area. Trade with the Indians for furs was important in the
colonial period. Later, the transport and sale of farm products to
Philadelphia and Baltimore, by water and road, formed an important
business. Philadelphia became one of the most important foreign trade
centers and the commercial metropolis in the colonies.
Pennsylvania had very rich cultural and social life.
First of all, Pennsylvania was multi-cultural. The failure of all attempts
by Indians and colonists to live side by side led the Indians to migrate
westward, leaving Pennsylvania. Open territories were shared by majority
of English Quakers, thousands of Germans, Scotch-Irish (which became one-
fourth of population), smaller groups of Irish, Welsh, French, Jewish,
Dutch and Swedes and African Americans,(mostly slaves and servants).
Pennsylvania was popular for its religious tolerance. Big Lutheran and
later Catholic churches, as well as smaller sects: Mennonites, Amish,
German Baptist Brethren or "Dunkers," Schwenkfelders, and Moravians were
common for this area. Because of the liberality of Penn's principles and
the freedom of expression that prevailed, the province was noted for the
variety and strength of its intellectual and educational institutions and
interests. An academy which held its first classes in 1740 became the
College of Philadelphia in 1755, and ultimately grew into the University of
Pennsylvania. It was the only nondenominational college of the colonial
period. The arts, the sciences, and the public buildings of Philadelphia
were the marvel of the colonies. Many fine old buildings in the
Philadelphia area still bear witness to the richness of Pennsylvania's
civilization in the 18th century. Newspapers and magazines flourished, as
did law and medicine. Pennsylvania can claim America's first hospital,
first library, and first insurance company.
Established by William Penn Pennsylvania was very
successful, and played an important role in development of Middle English
colonies and America in general. By 1776, the Province of Pennsylvania had
become the third largest English colony in America, though next to the last
to be founded. Its bright political history, (which provided people with
Charter of Privileges), well-developed, prolific economical system, and
rich cultural life during colonial period impresses even nowadays.
