Which historical figure is associated with the founding of Pennsylvania in 1682?

William Penn is the historical figure associated with the founding of Pennsylvania in 1682. He was an English Quaker and the son of a wealthy landowner, and he received the land as a royal grant from King Charles II as a way to settle a debt owed to his father. Penn envisioned Pennsylvania as a place of religious freedom and tolerance, particularly for Quakers and other persecuted groups, which contrasted sharply with the policies of many other colonies at the time. Under his leadership, Pennsylvania became known for its democratic principles and diverse population, with a constitution that guaranteed civil liberties and fair treatment for all inhabitants. This framework laid the groundwork for what would eventually influence the broader principles of American democracy.