Quakers
Also known as The Religious Society of Friends
This is a movement that began in England in the 1600’s.
William Penn was a famous Quaker and he founded the colony of Pennsylvania. Here the Quakers were allowed to practice their faith without persecution.
Quakers wanted to abolish slavery, refused to fight in a war, and lived simply without modern conveniences.
Still in the New World these Quakers were persecuted for their extreme religious beliefs.
The Puritans were one such group that did this.
However, soon the Quakers began to make a name for themselves as businessmen. They were known to treat people fairly and set an honest price on their goods. The Quakers
were known for iron and steel products and later pharmaceuticals . They were also known for their farming techniques. These Quakers were also known for their religious tolerance of other religious groups.
The Quakers lived a simple life on their farms. Everything they needed to live, they would make themselves. They believed that their life should center around the Bible. The meeting house was an important building in their lives. Weddings were performed here, funerals were held here and meetings about the settlement were held there also.
Today these Quakers are Known as Amish. They live a very simple life without cars, electricity and modern conveniences.
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