Final answer:
Pennsylvania was founded when King Charles II granted William Penn a charter in 1681 to settle a debt, resulting in 45,000 acres of land going under Penn's control and the establishment of Pennsylvania.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Founding of Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was founded when William Penn was granted a charter by King Charles II in 1681. The land was donated as a way to settle a debt the English crown owed to Penn's late father, who had been an admiral and had served the monarchy loyally. Under the charter, Penn assumed control of approximately 45,000 acres of land in America, creating a colony named Pennsylvania in honor of Penn’s father. This new colony became a place of religious tolerance under Quaker leadership and attracted a diverse group of settlers.