Who founded the state of Pennsylvania?

William Penn founded the state of Pennsylvania in 1681. He was granted the land by King Charles II as a repayment of a debt owed to his father. Penn envisioned Pennsylvania as a place of religious freedom and tolerance, particularly for Quakers, whom he associated with. He established a policy of fair dealings with Native Americans and laid out the city of Philadelphia, which became a model for urban planning. His commitment to democratic principles and religious liberty significantly influenced the development of Pennsylvania and the broader narrative of American history.

The other figures listed, though significant in their own right, played different roles in American history. Thomas Paine was a political activist and author known for his works advocating for independence, especially "Common Sense." George Washington was the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army and later became the first President of the United States. Benjamin Franklin was an influential statesman, inventor, and writer who contributed to the founding of the nation but was not directly involved in the founding of Pennsylvania.