Final answer:
Colonists might move to Philadelphia because it offered ample economic opportunities in a thriving port city with growing labor markets and because the city promoted social equity and mobility, exemplified by the Quakers' progressive stance on issues like slavery.
Step-by-step explanation:
Colonists would have been attracted to move to Philadelphia for several reasons, including economic opportunities and the promise of a more equitable society. First, Philadelphia was a bustling port city with a rapidly growing population and economy. The city was endorsed by William Penn, the founder of the Pennsylvania colony, who actively recruited settlers by offering equal rights and financial opportunities. This not only brought in people from various ranks of European society but also tradesmen and merchants, providing a solid foundation for both skilled and unskilled labor markets.
Second, the city was a center of liberal ideas and policies, especially upheld by the Quaker population, which had strong beliefs in equality and human rights. Some Quakers were leading efforts to abolish slavery, and even those who came as indentured servants had the possibility of improving their social status. The city had a diverse pool of immigrants and promised social mobility, as depicted by Benjamin Franklin's rise from apprentice to gentleman. Additionally, the wages earned by workers in Philadelphia tended to be higher than their counterparts in Europe.