Pennsylvania, Детальна інформація

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.