Adventures in Colonial America- Adventures in Colonial America Volume 6: Pennsylvania: The Keystone of Independence

Adventures in Colonial America Volume VI surveys the colonial and revolutionary history of the Pennsylvania colony from the day William Penn founded the colony, through decades of political disagreement among members of the Penn family, and between the Pennsylvania government and its citizens. Those disputes resulted in groundbreaking political principles, many of which became the foundation of the new federal government when the U.S. became independent.The survey briefly discusses the contributions of the Penn family, establishment of institutions of higher learning, and the first abolitionist movements in the U.S.Pennsylvania's Founding Fathers run the gamut, from an indentured servant to wealthy merchants, politicians, and soldiers. Of course, the most well known is Benjamin Franklin, who many historians refer to as America's Founding Father because of his contributions to education, politics, society, and the sciences.Pennsylvania's role in the American Revolution is significant, Valley Forge, Brandywine and Germantown being some of the most noteworthy locations. The fighting may have ended in 1781, but another war - between the military and the new government - took place in Philadelphia, and resulted in the relocation of the U.S. government to Washington, DC. The Whiskey Rebellion - the first serious threat to the new U.S. government - occurred in Pennsylvania and its outcome and implications for the future of the new nation are discussed.The final installment of the French-Indian Wars - the French and Indian War - was fought as the North American counterpart of the Seven Years' War. Not only was the fighting widespread throughout the American colonies and Canada, the war resulted in extremely high debt, forcing the British government to enact what became known to Americans as "The Intolerable Acts," and contributed to the start of a move toward independence.The special topic for this installment concerns the social and economic impact of hurricanes on the American colonies; with the 2015 hurricane season quickly approaching, it is a good time to examine the impact of these storms on people who did not have the technological advantages that we do today.