USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Quakers were among the first white people to denounce slavery in the American colonies and Europe, and the Society of Friends became the first organization to take a collective stand against both slavery and the slave trade, later spearheading the international and ecumenical campaigns against slavery.

Detailed explanation-2: -The Society of Friends (known as the Quakers) became involved in political and social movements during the eighteenth century. In particular, they were the first religious movement to condemn slavery and would not allow their members to own slaves.

Detailed explanation-3: -In 1776, Quakers were prohibited from owning slaves, and 14 years later they petitioned the U.S. Congress for the abolition of slavery. As a primary Quaker belief is that all human beings are equal and worthy of respect, the fight for human rights has also extended to many other areas of society.

Detailed explanation-4: -The moral strength of Woolman’s arguments helped persuade his co-religionists to begin the process of abolishing slaveholding with a 1758 rule that forbade Quakers to buy or sell slaves. In 1776, the New Jersey and Pennsylvania Friends prohibited members from owning slaves.

Detailed explanation-5: -Quakers have been a significant part of the movements for the abolition of slavery, to promote equal rights for women, and peace. They have also promoted education and the humane treatment of prisoners and the mentally ill, through the founding or reforming of various institutions.