The Holy Experiment: William Penn

1. Describe the “Holy Experiment” as envisioned by William Penn.

“The Holy Experiment” was William Penn’s utopian vision and was a direct result of his persecution as a Quaker. “The Holy Experiment” would combine religious tolerance to all faiths; Free and fair trial by jury, freedom from unjust imprisonment and free elections, with a city built that would resemble a “green Country Town” that was not a walled garrison, and that all would live in peace.

2. Who is the Society of Friends? What are their fundamental beliefs?

“The Society of Friends” was a Christian group that was created in mid-17th-century in England. They would later be referred to as Quakers. Their fundamental beliefs were that the presence of God exists in every person

These chief backers bought tracts of Pennsylvania land, were merchants, shopkeeper and artisans from London, Bristol, Dublin and other British towns. William Penn promised these “First Purchasers” city lots, and naturally they were attracted to the commercial possibilities of the port on the Delaware. The First purchasers heled developed Philadelphia into the Third largest port on the Atlantic seaboard.

6. What were factors that made Philadelphia a city that was conducive to trade?

A few factors that made Philadelphia a city for trade include, the Appalachians mountains shielded the city from extremes of weather, Philadelphia also offered a varied but not severe climate. The Delaware provided deep and commodious harbor where dozens of large ships could anchor close to shore. Around 1960, Philadelphia became the trading center for the Delaware Valley due to its merchants but also because it attracted shopkeepers and craftsman. Also, the Schuylkill River offered a great highway to the interior of Pennsylvania and Philadelphia was surrounded by the richest farmland of the colonies.

7. What were the goods that were exported from Philadelphia and