Pennsylvania was a British proprietary colony established in 1681 by William Penn, a Quaker. It was known for its commitment to peace, religious tolerance, and diversity. Unlike many other colonies, Penn purchased land fairly from Native Americans, and the colony became a haven for those persecuted for their beliefs, particularly Quakers. Pennsylvania attracted a mix of immigrants including Germans, Scotch-Irish, and others, creating a culturally rich and diverse society. It was one of the Middle Colonies and was marked by a middle- class population with limited aristocratic dominance. Philadelphia, its capital, was a major cultural and economic center in the colony.
