Who was the young convert to the Quaker faith that founded Pennsylvania?

The correct answer is William Penn, who played a significant role in the founding of Pennsylvania as a haven for Quakers and other religious groups. Penn, born into a wealthy English family, became a Quaker in his youth and was deeply influenced by the principles of the faith, particularly its emphasis on religious tolerance, equality, and pacifism.

In 1681, he received a land grant from King Charles II as compensation for a debt owed to his father. This land grant was part of what is now Pennsylvania, which Penn envisioned as a “Holy Experiment” where people of diverse backgrounds and faiths could live together peacefully. He implemented various liberal policies, including a representative assembly and fair treatment of Native Americans. This made Pennsylvania a significant center for religious freedom and diversity during that period.

The other individuals listed are notable figures in their own right, but they did not found Pennsylvania. Roger Williams was a Puritan who founded Rhode Island based on principles of religious freedom. Cecil Calvert, also known as Lord Baltimore, founded Maryland as a haven for Catholics. Anne Hutchinson was a Puritan dissenter known for her theological challenges in Massachusetts but had no connection to the founding of Pennsylvania.