William Penn Part 1 (Ep6)

The life and legacy of William Penn, the founder of the English colony of Pennsylvania. This episode, the first of a two-part series, focuses on his family history and upbringing, his embrace of Quaker belief, and how he became a key figure in the struggle for religious freedom in England. He became what today would be considered a keyboard warrior and social influencer in support of Quakerism and the right of conscience – in defiance of his father, an English admiral, as well as authorities who imprisoned him for his advocacy and worship. A few years after successfully petitioning for a colonial charter and founding Pennsylvania, Penn becomes an ally of James II, the embattled Catholic monarch of England. Penn supports James II’s efforts to institute religious tolerance. The overthrow of James II leads Penn to go into hiding and delays his return to Pennsylvania.