How Pennsylvania Became a State

Pennsylvania is a state with a long and rich history. From the time of its first settlers in the 1600s to the present day, Pennsylvania has been a major player in the development of the United States. It is one of the original 13 colonies and was the second state to ratify the Constitution.

Pre-State History

Native American presence

Prior to the arrival of Europeans, the area now known as Pennsylvania was home to a variety of Native American tribes. The most prominent of these tribes were the Delaware, Susquehannock, and Iroquois. These tribes had lived in the area for centuries, and had developed their own distinct cultures, languages, and customs. They were also highly skilled in hunting, fishing, and farming, and had developed complex trade networks with other Native American tribes in the region.

European exploration and colonization

The first Europeans to explore the area now known as Pennsylvania were the Dutch, who arrived in the early 1600s. They were soon followed by the English, who established the first permanent settlement in the area in 1682. This settlement, known as Pennsylvania, was founded by William Penn, who was granted the land by King Charles II of England. Penn's settlement was the first of its kind in the region, and it soon attracted a large number of settlers from Europe. As the settlement grew, it eventually became the Province of Pennsylvania, and in 1776, it officially became the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the second state to join the United States of America.

The Formation of Pennsylvania

William Penn’s Role

William Penn was a Quaker and the founder of the Province of Pennsylvania. He was granted a charter from King Charles II of England in 1681, which allowed him to establish a colony in the New World. Penn had a vision of creating a colony that would be a haven for persecuted Quakers, and he was determined to make it a reality. He was also a strong advocate for religious freedom and democracy, which he hoped to promote in the new colony. Penn was an effective leader and negotiator, and he was able to secure a large tract of land from the Native Americans in exchange for goods and money. He also negotiated with the King for a Charter of Privileges, which granted the colonists certain rights and privileges.

The Charter of Privileges

The Charter of Privileges was a document that granted the colonists certain rights and privileges, such as the right to elect their own representatives and the right to trial by jury. It also established a government for the colony, with a governor and a legislature. This government was based on the principles of democracy and religious freedom, which were important to Penn. The Charter of Privileges was a major milestone in the formation of Pennsylvania, as it established the framework for a free and democratic society. It also provided the colonists with a sense of security and stability, and it helped to attract more settlers to the colony. The Charter of Privileges was a major factor in the eventual success of Pennsylvania, and it is still celebrated today as a symbol of freedom and democracy.

The Move to Statehood

The Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4th, 1776, and declared the thirteen colonies free from British rule. It also established the United States of America as a sovereign nation. The Declaration of Independence was a major step in the process of Pennsylvania becoming a state. It was the first step in the process of the colonies gaining independence from Britain and forming a new government. The Declaration of Independence was a major turning point in the history of the United States, and it was a major step in the process of Pennsylvania becoming a state.

The Constitutional Convention

After the Declaration of Independence was signed, the Constitutional Convention was held in 1787. This convention was held to create a new constitution for the United States of America. During the Constitutional Convention, the delegates discussed and debated the different aspects of the new constitution. They also discussed the rights and responsibilities of the states and the federal government. The delegates also discussed the process of how states could become part of the United States of America. This was an important step in the process of Pennsylvania becoming a state.

Ratification of the Constitution

After the Constitutional Convention, the Constitution was ratified by the states in 1788. This was the final step in the process of the United States of America becoming a nation. The ratification of the Constitution also established the process for states to become part of the United States of America. Pennsylvania was one of the first states to ratify the Constitution, and this was an important step in the process of Pennsylvania becoming a state. After the Constitution was ratified, the process of Pennsylvania becoming a state began. The Pennsylvania legislature passed a resolution in 1790, which declared that Pennsylvania would become a state. This was the final step in the process of Pennsylvania becoming a state.