The primary reason for the establishment of the Pennsylvania colony was to create a sanctuary for English Quakers escaping religious persecution. Founded in 1681 by William Penn, a prominent Quaker leader, Pennsylvania was envisioned as a place of religious freedom and tolerance for various denominations. Penn's Frame of Government emphasized democratic principles, land rights, and fair treatment of Native Americans. The colony became a model of religious and political liberty, attracting diverse groups of settlers and establishing a unique social environment that contributed to the development of American democratic ideals.