Which founder of Pennsylvania launched the colony as a "holy experiment" based on religious tolerance?

William Penn is recognized as the founder of Pennsylvania and is known for launching the colony as a "holy experiment" based on religious tolerance. His vision for Pennsylvania was rooted in his Quaker beliefs, which emphasized principles such as equality, peace, and religious freedom. Penn sought to create a sanctuary for individuals facing persecution for their religious beliefs, thus attracting a diverse population of settlers, including Quakers, Germans, and other minority groups.

This approach was quite progressive for the time, as many colonies operated under strict religious rules. Penn's commitment to religious tolerance was codified in the Frame of Government, which promoted liberty of conscience and allowed for various religious practices. His policies helped establish Pennsylvania as a haven for those seeking freedom from oppression, fostering an environment of mutual respect and coexistence among different faiths.

Other figures mentioned, such as John Smith, Sam Adams, and Roger Williams, played important roles in American history but did not establish Pennsylvania specifically as a place of religious tolerance in the same way that Penn did. Smith is primarily known for his role in Virginia, Adams for his leadership in the movement toward independence in Massachusetts, and Williams for founding Rhode Island with a strong emphasis on religious freedom but not in the context of Pennsylvania.