Advanced Placement US History (AP US History) Practice Exam

What was Pennsylvania founded by William Penn primarily known for?

1. A refuge for Quakers

2. A center for trade and commerce

3. A military stronghold during the revolution

4. A site for major battles in the Civil War

The correct answer is: A refuge for Quakers

Pennsylvania, founded by William Penn in 1681, is primarily known for being a refuge for Quakers. Penn, a prominent Quaker himself, sought to create a colony characterized by religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence. This was a direct response to the persecution Quakers faced in England, where their beliefs often conflicted with the established Church of England. The colony attracted various groups seeking religious freedom, making it a diverse and pluralistic society. The principles established in Pennsylvania, particularly the emphasis on religious liberty and fair treatment of Native Americans, were pioneering at that time. Penn’s Frame of Government granted significant political and religious freedoms, making it a model for future democratic governance in the United States. While Pennsylvania did develop as a center for trade and commerce and played significant roles in both the Revolutionary War and the Civil War, those aspects are secondary to its foundational identity as a sanctuary for Quakers and others seeking freedom from religious persecution.