History of the Quakers

The Religious Society of Friends began as a proto-evangelical Christian movement in England in the mid-17th century in Ulverston. Members are informally known as Quakers, as they were said "to tremble in the way of the Lord". While the movement initially grew out of Christian ideals, not all modern Quakers identify as Christian. Over time, the Quaker tradition has evolved, with many members embracing a broader spiritual perspective. Despite this diversity, the core values of peace, simplicity, and social justice continue to shape the Quaker identity. The movement in its early days faced strong opposition and persecution, but it continued to expand across the British Isles, the Americas and Africa.

The Quakers, though few in numbers, have been continuously influential in the history of reform. The colony of Pennsylvania was founded by William Penn in 1682, as a safe place for Quakers to live and practice their faith. 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. Quaker entrepreneurs played a central role in forging the Industrial Revolution, especially in England and Pennsylvania.

During the 19th century, Friends in the United States suffered a number of secessions, which resulted in the formation of different branches of the Religious Society of Friends.