Who was eager to establish an asylum for Quakers?

William Penn was eager to establish an asylum for Quakers, reflecting his commitment to religious freedom and the protection of marginalized groups. As a member of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), Penn sought to create a safe haven for Quakers facing persecution in England and other regions. He founded the Pennsylvania colony in 1681 with the vision of a place where individuals could practice their faith freely without fear of repression.

Penn's grand design for Pennsylvania included principles of tolerance and inclusivity, which were revolutionary for the time. He implemented policies that allowed not only Quakers but also people of different faiths to settle and coexist. This commitment to religious freedom attracted a diverse population and made Pennsylvania a significant model of tolerant governance.

In contrast, Roger Williams was more focused on the separation of church and state and the fair treatment of Native Americans in his founding of Rhode Island. John Locke, although an influential philosopher on liberty and governance, did not directly establish colonies for religious groups. George Fox, as the founder of the Quaker movement, played an important role in Quakerism but was not involved in the establishment of any colony specifically for Quakers.